Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this timeframe isn’t extensive, I have accrued several observations during my time here. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only for its varied housing alternatives but also for its lively communities. Students have abundant options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer a range of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring their future homes online, along with the amenities provided and proximity to public transit.
In my quest for a living space, I set my sights on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is divided into six concentric areas, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an exceptional transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to travel and navigate between zones. Personally, I sought to decrease travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Additionally, the 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 the individual fare structure of each train operator. Central London hosts major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly lowering our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is often more challenging to find in private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland exist. Proximity to necessary stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comforts of their home nation while in London. Southall, in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods for living in London rely on your preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new dwelling in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.