Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my ninth month in London. Although nine months might appear brief, I have gleaned several insights during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its myriad housing options but also for its rich tapestry of communities. Students are presented with a vast array of choices. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently organize viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential homes online, along with their features and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social gathering spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London has an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can be priced as high as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, options with oyster cards have reduced commuting costs for students. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the underground, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I preferred inter-collegiate student housing to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a feat that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was important for me. Notable supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during finals.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s diverse ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural essence, offering a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a taste of home in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area packed with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a couple of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London are contingent on individual preferences and requirements. While finding a new residence in London, embrace the abundance and variety of accommodation possibilities, explore cultural niches, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.