Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is an animated metropolis, not only due to its varied living arrangements but also because of its lively communities. Students have an abundance of options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing feature a range of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate the closeness to public transport.
In my hunt for a place to stay, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation and movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London can be attributed to its major attractions. Fortunately, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share accommodation and considerably cut down on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend harder to achieve in private residences.
Living in close proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural fabric, creating a rich array of varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.