Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it’s not an extensive duration, I’ve acquired various insights throughout this time. London is a dynamic city, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Both student residences and private lodgings provide diverse alternatives like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential lodgings online, review available features, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has an exceptional transportation system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making travel and inter-zone commutes straightforward. Personally, I wanted to curtail travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can soar up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on the distance and the fare structure set by each train operator. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings, aiming to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that’s more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets feature Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time during errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic groups play a crucial role in its cultural tapestry, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and excitement offered by this extraordinary city.