Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not be a lengthy duration, I’ve garnered some thoughts. London is an energetic city, celebrated not only for its varied housing choices but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options available. Both student accommodations and private rentals include choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, featuring amenities and distances to public transport.
In my endeavor to find a residence, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London showcases an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making travel between zones straightforward. I intended to keep commuting expenses low, as inter-zonal fares can be as high as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of resorting to buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, connecting to areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and each train operator’s fare framework. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, thus significantly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate accommodations to engage with students from a range of backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural diversity, presenting a rich array of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek comfort in familiar environments reflecting their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, found in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place to live in London, embrace its diverse and rich array of accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.