Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained various insights in this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only because of its varied housing possibilities but also due to its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options available right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide a range of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, assess amenities, and locate the nearest public transport options.
In my quest for living arrangements, I sought a room to rent in Central London for its proximity to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London’s transportation network is exceptional, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk short distances rather than utilize the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. Central London boasts major attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I had a university friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds within the same age group, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, being near grocery retailers was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek to find a sense of belonging akin to their home country. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown located in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling enclave filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London ultimately depend on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this remarkable city.