Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although this duration may appear brief, I’ve acquired several insights throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only in the variety of housing options available but also in the diverse communities living here. Students have a plethora of selections at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals offer choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and independent rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to explore prospective accommodations online, complete with amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aspired to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London features an exceptional transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplify navigation and commuting between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prevalence of major attractions in Central London contributes to elevated living costs. Fortunately, attending university with a friend enabled us to split a room, substantially reducing rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating a chance to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend harder to encounter in private rentals.
For me, residing near grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with lower-cost alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents challenges. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial element of its cultural fabric, delivering a rich array of diverse locales. Numerous international students seek connections to their home culture within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, relish the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.