Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it may not appear to be a long duration, I’ve gained considerable insights in this time. London is a dynamic city, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by its lively communities. Students have numerous alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer a range of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential rentals online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to be near major landmarks, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying the process of moving between different areas. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commuting more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching outer zones of London. Fares for travel between zones on these services vary depending on distance and each train firm’s specific fare structure. The major attractions of Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly reducing our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging to achieve through private rentals.
For me, living near grocery stores was vital. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is time-saving while running errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to stay in poses a challenge. London’s diverse ethnic communities are central to its cultural identity, creating a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London desire a connection to their home cultures. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, centrally located in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, discover cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.