Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching nine months of residing in London. Although this isn’t a long duration, I’ve obtained some valuable observations. London is a dynamic metropolis, characterized not only by its varied housing alternatives but also its thriving communities. Students benefit from a wealth of options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private rentals present a range of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house sharings. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing online, showcasing the amenities available and their closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for living arrangements, I intended to find a room to rent in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centrally located. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy commuting and travel among zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for crossing zones on these services vary depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in higher living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing as it enabled me to connect with students from various backgrounds within the same age bracket, a combination more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to call home can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, creating a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for the familiarity of their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music culture. Chinatown, in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.