Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this might not seem extensive, I’ve gathered some valuable experiences during this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, recognized for its variety of housing choices and energetic communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student housing and private rentals present numerous selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential accommodations online, review available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
In my pursuit of a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones straightforward. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel costs since journeying between zones could incur expenses of up to £5.25 daily. I decided to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, extending into areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent costs. I preferred student accommodations that catered to various colleges to connect with students from different backgrounds of a similar age group, something harder to come by in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in poses its own challenges. The ethnic communities of London play a vital role in its cultural landscape, showcasing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their native country. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music environment. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese dining establishments, stores, and cultural festivities. These examples are just a glimpse of the community neighborhoods available.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.