Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone living in London. Although nine months may not be a long duration, I’ve obtained various insights throughout this period. London is a vibrant city, notable not only for its wide array of housing choices but also for its rich communities. Students have plenty of options available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily organize apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing online, evaluate amenities, and gauge closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay near major attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a stellar public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which make it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I wanted to minimize travel costs, as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, options like the oyster card have made traveling to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, which significantly lower rent costs. I was inclined towards intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is often challenging to find in private accommodations.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s diverse ethnic communities form an integral part of its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of their home country’s presence within the city. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing choices, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.