Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching nine months of residing in London. Although this timeframe is relatively short, I have accumulated some observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its assorted living arrangements but also its eclectic communities. Students are presented with a plethora of options. Both campus housing and private rentals feature offerings such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily coordinate apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing online, complete with amenities and how close they are to public transit.
In my quest for a place to call home, I sought to rent a room in Central London for proximity to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London offers a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. To cut down on travel expenses, since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones that lie outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure determined by each train company. The high demand for central London’s popular tourist spots drives up living expenses. Fortunately, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that is more challenging to find in private dwellings.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents its own challenges. The city’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural identity, weaving a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for the comforts of their homeland within London. Southall, situated in West London, has a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the bustling West End of London, is a spirited area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just some instances of neighborhood communities.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and necessities. When seeking new accommodation in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.