Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone in London. Though nine months might seem brief, I have gained significant insights during this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only due to its varied housing choices but also because of its lively communities. Students have a wealth of options available. Both university accommodation and private lodgings provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom help international students explore potential living spaces online, showcasing amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aspired to rent a room centrally in London, aiming for proximity to key attractions, vibrant social spots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London offers an excellent public transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to commute and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, going to university alongside a friend permitted us to share accommodation, which greatly lessened our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, excited to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood comes with its difficulties. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London desire a sense of familiarity with their home countries. Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its thriving Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.