Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though not a long duration, I’ve gathered several observations. London is a dynamic city, notable not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its multifaceted communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student residences and private accommodations offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore future living arrangements online, examine features, and gauge distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I set out to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commutes to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London’s significant attractions lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with a diverse array of students of similar ages, which is a combination less common in private properties.
Living near grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be quite difficult. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity with their home nations in London. Southall, in West London, has a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. While hunting for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.