Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my time in London. While this duration might not seem extensive, I have gathered some invaluable experiences in these months. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not just for its varied housing alternatives but also for its dynamic communities. Students find themselves with a plethora of options. Both student residences and private housing offer an array of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can easily organize viewings for potential apartments, while international students can leverage resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore accommodations online, evaluate amenities, and determine their distance from public transportation.
In my quest for living arrangements, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes moving around and traveling between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can amount to as much as £5.25 a day. I preferred walking short distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network to outer zones, with fares varying according to distance and the pricing system of each train operator. The attraction of Central London comes with elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share accommodation, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland also exist. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Deciding on a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their home countries. Southall in West London features a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the bustling West End of London, is a dynamic area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in housing options, delve into cultural hubs, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.