Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month mark of living in London. Although this time frame isn’t long, it has been quite revealing. London is an energetic metropolis, rich not just in its diverse housing options but also in its wide-ranging communities. Students have a plethora of selections available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while tools like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to virtually visit potential homes, assess their amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
During my hunt for a residence, I aspired to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London provides an impressive public transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones seamless. On a personal note, I aimed to curtail travel expenses since inter-zonal transit can run as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is teeming with major attractions, resulting in steep living expenses. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend at university allowed us to significantly lower our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing, intending to connect with classmates from diverse backgrounds, a mix less likely in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time when running errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural fabric, presenting a colorful array of neighborhoods. Many international students pursue familiarity with their home nations in London. Southall in West London features a large South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling locale filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These examples highlight just a few community-centric neighborhoods.
The perfect places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and needs. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.