Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of living in London. Although this may seem fleeting, I’ve gained some perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, not solely for its array of housing possibilities but also for its rich mixture of communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential lodgings online, review available facilities, and evaluate access to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major highlights, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to reduce travel costs, as traveling between zones can accumulate charges up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. Nevertheless, options like the oyster card have rendered commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the city center. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a companion permitted us to share accommodation, significantly lowering rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s trickier to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on tasks, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in which to reside can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their homeland. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean presence and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residing in London vary based on personal preferences and necessities. While seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.