Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not solely for its varied housing possibilities but also for its rich communities. Students have an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both student housing and private residences provide diverse choices, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, showcasing amenities and public transport connections.
In my quest for a place to reside, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transportation system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal travel can reach as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail serve areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London hosts major landmarks, which contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I was attending university with a friend, enabling us to share a room and significantly cut down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and comparable age groups, a blend less common in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural landscape, presenting a diverse array of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students seek the comforts of their home country while in London. Southall, in West London, hosts a significant South Asian population with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the core of London’s West End features a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-based neighbourhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. While searching for a new abode in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.