Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not be a long time, I’ve garnered several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, not solely for its array of housing options but also for its multifaceted communities. Students are afforded a multitude of choices. Both student accommodations and private lodgings offer variations such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, including available amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay close to prominent attractions, social settings, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London features an outstanding transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and traverse between zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. I decided to walk smaller distances instead of taking buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made university travels more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail routes extend beyond the Underground network to areas outside of Central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the fare schemes of each train operator. Major attractions in Central London drive up living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share accommodation, greatly reducing rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, something less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood proves to be a difficult task. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural framework, providing a rich array of different neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity akin to their home countries. Southall in West London houses a significant South Asian community with Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling district filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community enclaves.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.