Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem lengthy, I have acquired several insights. London thrives with vibrancy, not only due to its extensive range of housing choices but also because of its varied communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I sought to rent a room in Central London, aiming to be close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. London’s transit network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensures straightforward navigation and travel among zones. I aimed to keep travel costs low as inter-zonal fares can rise to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made getting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones away from central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare system. Popular attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery shops was important to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Choosing a neighborhood can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities form a key part of its cultural identity, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a sense of familiarity from their home countries. Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical culture. Chinatown in the core of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These represent just a few community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.