Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I achieved the nine-month mark of residing in London. While this may not seem like a lengthy period, I’ve gathered several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its various housing options but also its rich tapestry of communities. Students are presented with a plethora of selections. Both student residences and private accommodations feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Students residing at home can conveniently schedule viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential living spaces online, inspect amenities, and discover nearby public transport connections.
In my search for a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London, ensuring proximity to major landmarks, social hangouts, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London has a superb transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing effortless movement and travel across zones. I aimed to reduce commuting costs since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, catering to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The main attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which considerably lowered our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, which would have been more challenging with private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural tapestry, providing a vibrant mix of varied neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of their native culture in London. Southall, located in West London, features a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, in the West End of London, is a bustling district filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to live in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, celebrate the diversity and depth of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.