Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though this duration isn’t extensive, I’ve acquired considerable knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have a myriad of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide alternatives like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine potential housing options online, alongside their amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. London’s transportation infrastructure, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigating and traveling between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, leading us to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Choosing a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities form a core part of its cultural identity, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their native countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown situated in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new home, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.