Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I reached the milestone of living in London for nine months. Although nine months isn’t a substantial duration, I’ve gained some insights during this time. London is an energetic city, known not only for its wide variety of housing options but also for its communities. Students have a plethora of choices right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private rooms and shared lodgings, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom facilitate international students in viewing their prospective homes online, assessing available amenities, and identifying nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for a living space, I sought a room to rent in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social hotspots, 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 public transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to travel between zones. My goal was to minimize travel expenses since commuting between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university trips more affordable. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services serve locations beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Inter-zone travel fares on these services vary according to distance and the fare policies of each train company. Central London is home to notable attractions, leading to higher living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, substantially reducing our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from varying backgrounds and the same age group, a mix that is often harder to find through private housing.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on daily tasks, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London pursue the comfort of their home culture. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.