Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month mark of my stay in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve acquired several observations throughout this time. London pulsates with life, not just due to its varied housing options but also because of its dynamic communities. Students find themselves with an abundance of choices. Both student residences and private rentals present an array of options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can swiftly set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international students to view potential accommodations online, along with checking amenities and their distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London is equipped with a superb transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse and travel between zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as journeys between zones can amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering locations outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds and at a similar age, a demographic that’s tougher to find in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options feature Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in proves to be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant mosaic of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for connections to their home countries. Southall in West London houses a significant South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area with an abundance of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable living areas in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. In seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.