Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it’s not a long duration, I’ve accumulated some observations. London is a vibrant city, not only for its varied housing situations but also for 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 private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily organize viewings of apartments, while websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transportation.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it convenient for navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I wished to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The central area’s prominent attractions contribute to high living expenses. Thankfully, going to university with a friend permitted us to cohabit, significantly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to engage with peers from various backgrounds, a mix less prevalent in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time during errands, especially in exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents challenges. London’s ethnic communities are woven into its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home cultures. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music landscape. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new dwelling in London, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the accessibility and thrill of this extraordinary city.