Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this timeframe may not be extensive, I’ve accrued some valuable observations during my time here. London is a vibrant city, not only in terms of its variety of housing options but also due to its multifaceted communities. Students have a wide array of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, check amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my pursuit of a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an excellent transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have made university travel more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly reducing rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, looking to meet peers from various backgrounds, which would likely have been more difficult through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex choice. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to inhabit in London hinge on personal interests and necessities. When seeking a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish in the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city offers.