Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained substantial insights. London stands out as a vibrant city, not only due to its myriad housing options but also because of its lively neighborhoods. Students are presented with ample choices right at their fingertips. Both student accommodation and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, examine features, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
During my property search, I focused on renting a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s superior transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies movement and travel between zones. I was keen on minimizing travel expenses since inter-zonal transit can cost as much as £5.25 per day, so I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground coverage, reaching regions outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and the fare policies of each train company. The major attractions in Central London drive living costs up. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university greatly minimized our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s tougher to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies reduces the time spent on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is not straightforward. The ethnic communities of London play a significant role in its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity reminiscent of their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent on personal interests and aspirations. While looking for a place in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural communities, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.