Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching the nine-month mark of my stay in London. While it might not appear as an extended period, I have gained a significant amount of experience. London is a dynamic metropolis, recognized not only for its varied housing opportunities but also for its lively neighborhoods. Students have an abundance of options right outside their doors. Both student residences and private housing present choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared accommodations, private rooms, and studio flats. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment tours, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom provide international students the ability to explore potential living spaces online, including details about amenities and access to public transport.
During my hunt for a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to prominent landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could cost up to £5.25 each day. Consequently, I opted to walk for shorter distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. However, options like the oyster card have made journeys to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central part of London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on the distance and the pricing guidelines of each train operator. The high living expenses in central London are attributable to its major attractions. Thankfully, I enrolled at the university along with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is often more difficult to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially around exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s multicultural communities are an integral part of its cultural landscape, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a connection to their homeland while in London. Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community with numerous Indian dining spots, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for residing in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and fully embrace the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.