Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not appear to be an extensive duration, I have gathered several insights throughout this time. London is an energetic city, not only due to its vast range of housing options but also because of its varied communities. Students have numerous choices available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings provide different options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily schedule viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in assessing their future living spaces online, inspecting amenities, and evaluating closeness to public transit.
During my hunt for a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near key sights, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted for walking short distances instead of relying on a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have enhanced affordability for university commutes. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, accessing zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London elevate living expenses. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university enabled us to significantly cut down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Accessibility to fundamental shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood is a difficult choice. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a connection to their home country. Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music culture. Chinatown in London’s West End is a bustling area filled with an abundance of Chinese restaurants, boutiques, and cultural happenings. These represent just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diverse and vibrant accommodation choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.