Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have finished nine months of residing in London. While it may not appear extensive, I’ve gained significant insights during this period. London is a bustling city, not only due to its broad range of housing alternatives but also because of its vibrant communities. Students have an array of possibilities at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals offer various selections, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly coordinate apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine prospective accommodations online, including the amenities available and their distance from public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an exceptional transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize transportation expenses as inter-zone travel costs can escalate to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commuting more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more difficult through private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time when managing tasks, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is complex. The city’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections with their home cultures in London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a vibrant enclave filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.