By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone in London. Although this duration might seem brief, I’ve accumulated valuable observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, recognized not only for its multitude of housing options but also for its rich array of communities. Students have a wealth of alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential homes online, review amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
During my housing search, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured in six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and move between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more cost-effective. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, connecting to outer zones. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Major attractions in Central London contribute to higher living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in significant rent savings. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, wishing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is more challenging to find in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery outlets was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian dining, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are dictated by your preferences and requirements. When embarking on your quest for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural hotspots, and bask in the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.