By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem like an extended period, I’ve gained several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, rich in both its varied living arrangements and its multifaceted communities. Students have a wealth of choices at their fingertips. From student housing to private rentals, options include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living situations online, along with the amenities provided and accessibility to public transportation.
In my quest to find accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to cut down on travel expenses as inter-zone travel can reach up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card choices have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the core of London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The high demand for Central London’s major attractions contributes to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that may be harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was important to me. Notable supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on daily tasks, especially during exam seasons.
Choosing a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a slice of their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a prominent South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, boasts a bustling environment filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of communal neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residing in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodation in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.