Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this period may not be extensive, I’ve acquired some valuable observations throughout this time. London is an energetic city, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its lively communities. Students are presented with an array of choices. Student housing along with private accommodations feature several options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse future housing online, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to main attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the central areas. London offers a superb transportation system, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones straightforward. Personally, I wanted to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to key attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to split room costs, providing significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s often harder to find in private properties.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, offering a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their home countries. Southall in West London is known for its sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant hub filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and needs. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and depth of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.