Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I wrapped up nine months of residing in London. Though this duration may appear brief, I’ve gathered various insights along the way. London is a bustling metropolis, not only because of its wide-ranging housing options but also due to its rich mix of communities. Students have an abundance of choices at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodging offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can easily organize apartment visits, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future living spaces online, examine available facilities, and evaluate their distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I intended to rent a room in Central London for easy access to major landmarks, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is split into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying movement and travel among the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter routes instead of opting for buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made travelling to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone trips on these services vary according to distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high living costs around Central London’s main attractions are noteworthy. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, drastically lowering our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a combination harder to find in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves valuable time during errands, particularly in exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for a taste of home in London. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples represent just a fragment of community neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing opportunities, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.