Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may not seem lengthy, I’ve gathered some reflections throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its array of housing options but also its rich variety of communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Both student residences and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solitary rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment showings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their potential future homes online, including the available amenities and their distance to public transit.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key sights, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric areas, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it simple to traverse and move between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal transit can reach up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system to areas outside of central London, with fares differing based on distance and each train company’s fare policy. Central London features major attractions, contributing to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various cultural backgrounds and a similar age range, a combination that’s more challenging to encounter in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to settle in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural landscape, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a taste of their home culture. Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled 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-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for new housing in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation opportunities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.