Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though it may seem like a short time, I’ve gathered some perspectives. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a diverse range of housing and dynamic communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both university accommodation and private rentals feature options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential rentals online, complete with details about facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most centrally located. London’s transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies movement and travel across zones. To cut down on travel costs, which can soar to £5.25 each day for inter-zonal trips, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commuting more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, addressing areas beyond central London, with fares differing according to distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a companion, and we shared a room, greatly lessening our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student residences to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that can be difficult to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was important for me. Prominent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies saves significant time on chores, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a complex task. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural tapestry, offering a diverse assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home cultures while in London. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, boasts an Afro-Caribbean community and a lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of its housing choices, venture into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.