Penned by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. While it isn’t a long duration, I’ve acquired several perspectives. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not just for its varied housing selections but also for its dynamic communities. Students are presented with a multitude of options. Both student residences and private housing offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange for apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective lodgings online, highlighting amenities and access to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a remarkable transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is trickier to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on tasks, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home nations. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized 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 various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residing in London hinge on your interests and requirements. As you embark on the search for a new home, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s housing options, investigate cultural hubs, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.