Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve gained various perspectives throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its multitude of housing options but also for its rich tapestry of communities. Students have plenty of alternatives available. Both student accommodations and private housing offer a range of options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily set up apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, check available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
During my hunt for a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London for easy access to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London has an excellent public transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to get around and travel between zones. To save on travel expenses, which can amount to as much as £5.25 each day for inter-zonal travel, I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which significantly cut down our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, which is a blend more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near fundamental stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London poses its challenges. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mix of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for the comfort of their homeland while in London. Southall, situated in West London, has a sizable South Asian community, featuring many Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area rich with a range of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, take advantage of the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.