Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem extensive, I’ve collected some perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, not merely for its variety of housing options but also for its multifaceted communities. Students have a plethora of choices at their fingertips. 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 easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring potential lodgings online, including descriptions of amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near important landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s transportation system is outstanding, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which make traveling between zones seamless. Personally, I was focused on minimizing travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances in lieu of taking a bus or tube. Thankfully, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Living costs near Central London’s major attractions tend to be steep. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, presenting varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of home within the city. Southall in West London is known for its significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.