Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, I have garnered several insights during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a variety of housing options and eclectic communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer numerous options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential lodgings online, complete with information about amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a place to reside, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an excellent transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating straightforward navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can accumulate to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, the options for oyster cards have made university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the scope of the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London’s prominent attractions contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, considerably decreasing rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age demographics, a combination harder to find in private rentals.
For me, residing near grocery stores was essential. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of its cultural landscape, showcasing a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on individual interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.