Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of living in London. Though this may seem brief, I’ve amassed some observations. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its wide array of housing options but also for its rich mix of communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student housing and private rentals offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential rentals online, highlighting features and locations relative to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the innermost zones being one and two. London features an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and traverse between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses because inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, oyster card alternatives have made university travel more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending into the outskirts of central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London’s key attractions contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, which greatly decreased our rent. I favored intercollegiate housing to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination less probable in private accommodations.
Living in proximity to grocery outlets was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood is no simple task. London’s ethnic groups play a crucial role in its cultural tapestry, providing diverse neighborhoods. Many international students search for a sense of familiarity in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant enclave filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric areas.
The optimal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. While on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.