Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may appear brief, I have acquired several insights throughout my stay. London is an energetic city, not just due to its variety of housing options but also because of its dynamic communities. Students enjoy an abundance of choices available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings provide a range of selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective housing options online, including available amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superb public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel across zones. To economize on travel expenses, which might amount to as much as £5.25 per day for journeys between zones, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university together with a friend allowed us to share accommodation, greatly lowering our rental expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, featuring more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for a sense of connection to their home countries while in London. Southall, in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned 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 dining spots, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas for living in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new home in this city, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.