Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month mark of residing in London. Although this duration isn’t extensive, I’ve gathered several insights during my stay. London stands out as a lively metropolis, renowned not merely for its varied housing choices but also for its communities. Students have a wealth of options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, evaluate the amenities available, and identify the closest public transport links.
In my quest for housing, I sought a room to rent in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts an efficient transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenditures as inter-zonal commutes can reach up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the central part of London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare structure of each train company. Central London is home to significant attractions, contributing to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which led to considerable rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would have been more challenging through private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was crucial for me. Popular supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Most international students in London pursue a sense of familiarity with their home country. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community, offering Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, embodies a vibrant enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples showcase just a few community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. In your search for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.