Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a lengthy period, I’ve gained some insights. London is a vibrant city, not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students are presented with numerous alternatives. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, assess the features, and locate nearby public transport connections.
During my quest for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating mobility and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can amount up to £5.25 per day. Instead of relying on a bus or tube for short distances, I chose to walk. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the fare setup of each train operating company. Central London is home to significant attractions, which leads to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which can be harder to achieve with private rentals.
Being situated near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets encompass Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; budget-friendly alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential retail outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comforting familiarity of their native countries in London. Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, presents numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and necessities. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of the housing options, dive into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.