Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the milestone of nine months living in London. While this duration may not be extensive, I have gathered various insights. London is a vibrant city, notable not only for its array of housing options but also for its eclectic communities. Students have an abundance of choices readily available. Both student residences and private rentals present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students have the ability to conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing options online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is separated into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, thus facilitating easy navigation and movement between zones. I aimed to cut travel costs since commuting between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London features prominent attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with students from varied cultural backgrounds and the same age demographic, a mix that is often harder to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities are a crucial part of its cultural essence, creating a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian population with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional garment shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. While on the lookout for a new home in London, take in the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.