Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Although this timeframe is brief, I’ve cultivated some perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its extensive housing selections but also for its eclectic communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both university housing and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential rentals online, encompassing features and closeness to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodations, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key sights, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric rings, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since inter-zone fares can soar to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have improved the affordability of university commutes. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system to areas outside the central zone. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ according to distance and each train operator’s pricing model. The prominent attractions of Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, leading to significant rent reductions. I preferred student accommodations that foster intercollegiate interactions with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to encounter in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Close proximity to vital establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. The ethnic communities of London are pivotal to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, has a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, dive into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.