Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Even though this duration is modest, I have gathered a few observations. London is an energetic metropolis, not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have a wide array of choices available to them. Both student accommodation and private housing offer different selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Resident students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, along with the amenities and closeness to public transport.
During my quest for a living space, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London features an outstanding transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, options with an oyster card have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, covering areas outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services vary according to distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The significant tourist attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a companion, and we agreed to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of similar age, a combination harder to find in private accommodations.
Living adjacent to grocery outlets was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Choosing an area to live is a complicated task. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural mosaic, presenting a rich array of unique neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community that features Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and bustling music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant locale filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.