Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may not seem lengthy, I’ve acquired several observations throughout this period. London is an energetic metropolis, showcasing not just a plethora of housing choices but also its rich tapestry of communities. Students can find a multitude of options available to them. Both student residences and privately rented accommodations offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can swiftly organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore potential housing online, detailing amenities offered and their location relative to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I focused on securing a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the innermost zones one and two being the ones closest to the heart of London. London features an exceptional transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes travelling and navigating between zones straightforward. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk for shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting for university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system and reach into areas outside Central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare system. The many attractions of Central London play a part in elevating the cost of living. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university has significantly lowered our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations as they provided opportunities to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was a vital consideration for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies close by helps save time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s diverse ethnic communities are integral to its cultural richness, presenting a spectacular variety of unique neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home cultures while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End, is a vibrant area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-driven neighborhoods.
The optimal locations for living in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. While on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.