Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear extensive, I’ve gained considerable knowledge during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing choices and varied communities. Students are presented with abundant options. Both student residences and private housing offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, review facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for living arrangements, I intended to rent a room in Central London to stay near prominent sites, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, promotes seamless commuting and movement across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground to areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of each train service. The prime attractions of Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share accommodations, significantly lessening rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would have been trickier through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland, are readily available. Proximity to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents its challenges. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students pursue a sense of familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, accommodates a large South Asian populace, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, stands as a bustling enclave with a variety of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These exemplify just a few community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.