Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I’ve hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may not seem extensive, I’ve gathered several observations throughout this time. London is a dynamic city, renowned not only for its varied housing selections but also for its lively communities. Students have a plethora of options readily available. Both student residences and private accommodations present numerous choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to preview potential homes online, detailing amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed for a room rental in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six overlapping zones, with zones one and two being the heart of it all. London features a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it simple to navigate and move between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can go as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card choices have made university journeys considerably more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of each train operating company. The major attractions in central London lead to elevated living costs. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university helped reduce rent significantly. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which is a combination less common in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a touch of familiarity reminiscent of their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music culture. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centered neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When embarking on the search for new housing in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its accommodation choices, dive into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrills this extraordinary city provides.