Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not be a lengthy duration, I have acquired some valuable observations. London is a vibrant city, characterized not only by its varied living arrangements but also by its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student housing and private rentals provide features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For home students, arranging apartment viewings is straightforward, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective accommodations online, including details on amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain near prominent landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a fantastic transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traversing and traveling between zones effortless. Personally, I wanted to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can reach up to £5.25 on a daily basis. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, accessing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend while attending university allowed us to significantly reduce our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with students from various backgrounds and comparable age groups, a dynamic that is often more challenging to discover in private listings.
Living in close proximity to grocery outlets was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on daily tasks, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are a crucial part of its cultural identity, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, houses a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, relish the diversity and wealth of its housing options, venture into cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.