Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a long duration, I have acquired considerable knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its variety of housing options but also its communities. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student residences and private housing provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can easily arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future homes online, complete with amenities and transport links.
In my quest to find a place to stay, my objective was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies city navigation. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have reduced costs for university travel. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Tube network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London stem from its major attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a combination that is harder to find in privately owned properties.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighbourhood presents challenges. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, providing diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students look for a semblance of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall in West London boasts a sizeable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the West End of London is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighbourhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. While on the hunt for a new home in London, appreciate the variety of accommodation types, discover cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.