Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While this may not be an extensive duration, I have gathered some observations throughout this time. London is an energetic city, not only due to its array of housing choices but also because of its rich diversity in communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing provide alternatives like ensuite and suite bathrooms, as well as private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while tools such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students to explore their potential living spaces online, examine facilities, and evaluate their distance to public transit.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six layered zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a superb transport system comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which aids in effortless traveling and navigating between zones. Personally, I aimed to cut down travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can go up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university journeys more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground, reaching farther zones outside central London. Inter-zone travel fares on these services differ based on distance and each train operating company’s fare policies. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to split a room, which greatly decreased our rental costs. I favored student accommodations within the collegiate network to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Living close to grocery shops was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores such as grocery shops and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is not easy. London’s cultural communities are vital to its social fabric, showcasing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Most international students in London look for familiarity reminiscent of home. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a buzzing area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal living areas in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.