Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized not only by its multitude of housing options but also its rich tapestry of communities. Students have a wide array of choices available. Both student accommodations and private housing present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared rooms, private rooms, studio flats, and co-living arrangements. Local students can easily schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, showcasing amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport infrastructure, which includes the Underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 per day, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university significantly more manageable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on the distance traveled and the fare policies of each train operator. The major attractions of Central London contribute to higher living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to a notable reduction in rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would have been more difficult via private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was of utmost importance to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on chores, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students yearn for connections to their homelands while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London boasts a prominent Afro-Caribbean community and a dynamic music scene. Chinatown in the West End of London is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These neighborhoods are just a few illustrations of community-rich areas.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing selections, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.