Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I have gained substantial insights during this period. London is an energetic metropolis, offering a plethora of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of selections available. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature offerings such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential homes online, verify amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for living quarters, I aimed to lease a room in Central London for proximity to major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport system, which encompasses the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation within the city and between zones. To mitigate travel expenses, which can soar to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal travel, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made getting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these modes vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The notable tourist spots in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, attending university with a companion enabled us to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a diversity harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near basic stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their home country’s familiarity. Southall, in West London, features a significant South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The best areas for living in London ultimately depend on personal interests and requirements. When embarking on a new home search in London, embrace the diversity and richness of housing opportunities, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.