Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like an extended period, I have gained considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its varied housing choices but also for its dynamic communities. Students encounter numerous options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing present multiple choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Students living locally can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future accommodations online, showcasing the amenities available and access to public transit.
During my search for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key sights, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can soar up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground, extending to zones outside of central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services vary according to distance and the fare layout of each train provider. Central London presents major attractions, resulting in high living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that is more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their home country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively hub filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimum areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.