Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I have just completed nine months residing in London. Although this may not seem lengthy, I have gathered a few perspectives during this time. London is an energetic city, attributable not only to its range of living arrangements but also to its varied communities. Students are presented with a wide array of choices. Both student housing and private lodgings offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently plan apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, complete with amenities and their distance from public transit.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key sites, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is arranged into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. I wanted to keep my travel costs low, as inter-zonal transportation can reach as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have helped make university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, accessing areas outside central London. Fare prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the pricing framework of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and of similar ages, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Notable supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam time.
Deciding on a neighborhood is a tough choice. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home nations within London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of communal neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new place to stay in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of the accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.