Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve completed nine months of living in London. While this may not be a lengthy period, I’ve gained some valuable observations during my stay. London is a vibrant metropolis, known for its wide range of housing options and its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student and private accommodations offer various amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily set up apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential housing online, including features and distance to public transport.
In my quest for a home, I wanted to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to reduce travel expenses since moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I chose to walk small distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, covering areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. The living expenses in Central London’s prime attractions tend to be elevated. Fortunately, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which led to significant rent savings. I had a preference for intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery outlets was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time on tasks, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities form a core part of its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a connection to their home nations. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, offering Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in central London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. While on the hunt for a new home in London, appreciate the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.