Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of living in London. While this timeframe might seem brief, I’ve acquired various insights. London is a bustling metropolis, not just regarding its varied housing options but also its communities. Students have countless possibilities available to them. Both student residences and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential rentals online, review the amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation framework, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commutes to university more economical. Also, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London houses major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to cohabit a room, greatly decreasing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is not easy. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their home country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian cuisine, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized 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 a variety of Chinese eateries, retail shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary metropolis.