Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I achieved the milestone of nine months living in London. Although it may not appear lengthy, I have gathered several observations during this period. London is a vibrant city, presenting a plethora of housing options and dynamic communities. Students are offered many alternatives. Both student residences and private rentals feature a range of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while sites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, complete with available amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to be in proximity to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London is equipped with an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel across zones seamless. I preferred to lessen travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university travels more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I went to university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental expenses. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that would be more difficult to encounter in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with cheaper options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores nearby such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood for living poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial aspect of its cultural landscape, providing a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of their home cultures. Southall, situated in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community complete with various Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area with a range of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent only a handful of diverse community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.