Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I have hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration might not appear extensive, I have gathered some perspectives throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a vast array of housing choices and bustling communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student housing and private residences offer amenities including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring possible accommodations online, verifying amenities, and evaluating proximity to public transport.
During my quest for a new home, I aimed to secure a room for rent in Central London to be near major sites, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an impressive public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it convenient to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to reduce travel expenses, as inter-zonal transit can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I decided to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system to areas outside central London, with fares fluctuating based on distance and the fare structures of train companies. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room and substantially lower rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is more challenging to find in private properties.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination phases.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London represent a vital component of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for a sense of connection to their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling hub with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.