Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve acquired several insights throughout this time. London is an energetic city, not just for its varied housing choices but also for its rich communities. Students have a plethora of options right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite restrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective lodgings online, check available facilities, and evaluate distance to public transportation.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel costs since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than take buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The living expenses near central London’s primary attractions are quite high. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination that’s harder to find in private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to call home is a tough decision. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of their homeland. Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling enclave filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to stay in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.