Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months might not appear extensive, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives during this period. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its wide array of housing options but also because of its varied communities. Students have countless alternatives available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to view their future lodgings online, along with the amenities available and closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to find a room to rent in Central London to remain near major sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. Instead of taking buses or the tube, I chose to walk short distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside of central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly lowering rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery shops was essential for me. Well-known supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is no easy feat. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their homelands. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These examples represent just a few of the community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.