Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I have absorbed a considerable amount. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its varied housing choices but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options accessible. Both student residences and private housing present numerous alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore their potential homes online, review amenities, and find the closest public transport connections.
During my search for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an impressive transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services cover regions beyond the Underground network, extending into outskirts of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London features major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a blend that is often tougher to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities form an integral part of its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students pursue a sense of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of neighborhood communities.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. While looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.