Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While nine months may seem short, I’ve gained considerable insights during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its extensive range of housing choices but also because of its rich mix of communities. Students have an abundance of options available. Both university accommodations and private rentals provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom facilitate international students in exploring accommodation possibilities online, evaluating available amenities, and assessing their distance from public transport.
In my search for a residence, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, comprised of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 each day. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have considerably reduced commuting costs for university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend services to regions outside the Underground network, covering zones beyond central London. The fares for these services differ according to distance and the pricing policy of each train operator. Living in Central London provides easy access to major attractions, which consequently raises living expenses significantly. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing in hopes of connecting with peers from various backgrounds and the same age bracket, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with lower-cost alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses its challenges. London’s diverse communities are integral to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London desire the comfort of familiarity from their home nations. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.