Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I have hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this may not seem lengthy, I have accumulated several insights throughout this journey. London is a bustling metropolis, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its lively communities. Students are presented with numerous choices. Both university accommodation and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential accommodations online, including the facilities available and their distance from public transport.
In my pursuit of housing, my objective was to rent a room in Central London for convenient access to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, encompassing areas beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each rail operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I studied with a friend, and we decided to co-rent a room, significantly reducing our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to meet individuals from diverse backgrounds and a similar age range, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, right in the heart of London’s West End, is a thriving area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London largely depend on personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new place to call home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.