Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this might not be extensive, I’ve amassed some observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, distinguished by its variety of living arrangements and its multifaceted communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing offer choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings digitally, examine amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transit.
In my quest for housing, I focused on renting a room in Central London to be close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a robust transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize traveling costs as inter-zone travel could reach £5.25 daily. I chose to walk smaller distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card solutions have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone voyages on these services vary according to distance and the fare policies of each train provider. The considerable living costs in Central London stem from its major attractions. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from different backgrounds within the same age range, a blend that’s harder to find in private housing.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to key stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities form a core part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a touch of familiarity reminiscent of their home country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling hub filled with a variety of Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for residing in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrance of this extraordinary city.