Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not seem like an extensive duration, it has afforded me several revelations. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing selections but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a wealth of options available. Both university accommodations and private rentals provide different choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom let international students browse potential housing online, highlighting the provided amenities and closeness to public transport.
When I was looking for a place to reside, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain in proximity to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding public transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating movement and travel between the various zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or underground. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend coverage to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare system of each train operator. Central London hosts significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a companion, and we opted to share a room, which led to substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations in hopes of interacting with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a demographic mix that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents a challenge. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural essence, offering a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London pursue a sense of familiarity with their home nations. Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian population, filled with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, centrally located in London’s West End, is a vibrant area with countless Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London hinge on personal preferences and necessities. When searching for a residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.