Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve gathered a few observations throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, rich in both a variety of housing options and vibrant communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Whether it’s student accommodation or private rentals, options include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential housing online, including details about amenities and accessibility to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to find a room in Central London to stay close to prominent sights, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across the various zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal transit can cost up to £5.25 per day. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. However, the oyster card options have made it more economical to commute to the university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground system, servicing areas outside Central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on the distance and fare structure of each train operator. Central London houses many major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and ages, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
For me, living close to supermarkets was vital. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies expedites errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a significant challenge. The ethnic communities in London are essential to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland. In West London, Southall showcases a large South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few representations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.