Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I have garnered valuable perspectives. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing options and varied communities. Students have a wealth of selections available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize viewings for apartments, whereas platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future lodgings online, examine facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
In my hunt for a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London for accessibility to prominent attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensures smooth navigation and travel amongst zones. I sought to minimize commuting costs since inter-zonal travel can accumulate to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commutes to the university less costly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train service provider. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a peer allowed us to split a room, greatly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various cultural backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination harder to come across in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to key shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural essence, presenting a rich mosaic of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home cultures. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian population, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the core of London’s West End showcases an array of Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal living areas in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new place in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.