Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive duration, I’ve acquired some observations throughout this span. London is a lively metropolis, presenting a diverse range of housing choices and spirited communities. Students can select from numerous options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective lodgings online, examine available features, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London for accessibility to major landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding public transport framework, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since inter-zonal commutes can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances over using buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train operator’s fare structure. Central London, being home to significant attractions, comes with elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, anticipating opportunities to engage with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that might have been harder to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity 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 are available. Being close to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood to reside in is a tough task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural milieu, providing a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London pursue a sense of familiarity with their home countries. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a large South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When poised to find a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of the city’s housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the accessibility and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.