By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem short, I’ve gained a considerable amount of knowledge. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its varying housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to view prospective housing online, assess available facilities, and locate the nearest public transport links.
As I sought a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances, opting out of bus or tube rides. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending to zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare systems of different train operators. The high living costs in Central London are primarily due to its major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, significantly reducing our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a vital role in its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean population and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal locations for residing in London depend on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new place to live in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this remarkable city.