Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not seem like a long time, I have gathered several observations in this period. London is an energetic city, distinguished not only by its varied living arrangements but also its lively communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student and private residences provide different choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule viewings of apartments, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to preview future housing online, showcasing amenities and closeness to public transport.
As I searched for housing, my target was to rent a room in Central London, close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London features a superb transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses low since commuting between zones can reach £5.25 per day. Instead of taking a bus or tube, I opted to walk for shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made getting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside of the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare schemes of each train operating company. The presence of significant attractions in central London contributes to elevated living costs. Luckily, having a friend at university enabled us to share a room, leading to a notable reduction in rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a touch of home. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in central London’s West End boasts numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary according to personal preferences and needs. When looking for a new place to call home in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its living choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and excitement of this extraordinary city.