Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of living in London. While nine months may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired some insights during this time. London is an energetic city, known not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have numerous choices available right at their doorstep. Both student housing and private rentals provide a range of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future homes online, assess the amenities available, and identify the closest public transport connections.
In my search for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitate easy movement throughout the city and between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zone travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university commutes significantly more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. Central London features major attractions, resulting in exceptionally high living costs. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to considerable rent savings. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and of similar ages, a combination that is harder to find through private properties.
Proximity to grocery stores was important for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on tasks, especially during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood to live in can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for the comfort of their home country’s culture within this city. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave featuring numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of the city’s accommodation options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.