Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it might not appear lengthy, I’ve gathered various observations throughout this duration. London is an energetic city, providing a broad range of housing choices and lively communities. Students have numerous options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solitary rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in virtually inspecting potential accommodations, amenities, and accessibility to public transportation.
During my quest for a place to live, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six surrounding zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an excellent transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones simple. Personally, I tried to minimize travel expenses because inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on the bus or 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, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing structures of each train operator. Central London’s main attractions add to considerable living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in substantial savings on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of similar age, a combination that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections with their home cultures. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area packed with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are determined by personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.