Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though it’s not an extensive amount of time, I’ve accumulated several observations throughout this duration. London is a dynamic city, providing a broad spectrum of housing options and lively communities. Students have a multitude of selections available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two comprising the most central areas. London has an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and transportation between zones seamless. I intended to minimize travel costs, as inter-zonal trips can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card offerings have lowered university commute expenses. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, enrolling in university with a friend allowed us to share a room, significantly lowering our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate accommodations to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age demographics, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living near supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is not straightforward. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural diversity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home cultures while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional garment shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively area filled with numerous Chinese dining places, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.