Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained some insights. London is a dynamic city, not only for its varied living options but also for its communities. Students have numerous choices available at their fingertips. Both student housing and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, verify the amenities, and assess their closeness to public transport.
In my search for a place, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel among zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone journeys could cost up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have reduced commuting expenses for university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to areas outside central London. Fare rates for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their home country. Southall in West London harbors a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is an animated district filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on one’s preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its living options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.