Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve gained a lot of insights. London is a bustling metropolis, not solely because of its varied housing options but also due to its vibrant communities. Students are afforded a multitude of choices right at their fingertips. Both university accommodation and private rentals provide an array of selections including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential rentals online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
During my quest for housing, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most pivotal. London’s transport network, which comprises the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation and inter-zone travel. I sought to minimize transportation expenses, as traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground framework, reaching areas outside central London. The costs of inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The high cost of living in Central London is influenced by its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, yielding substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate housing, hoping to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is more complex to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver for errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents its own challenges. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, creating a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students aim to find their cultural roots reflected in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, retail establishments, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residence in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and richness of available housing, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.