Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While it may not seem extensive, I have gathered several observations during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not solely for its varied housing alternatives but also for the thriving communities it hosts. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private rentals provide an array of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, evaluate the amenities provided, and consider their distance to public transport.
In my quest for a place to live, I aspired to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second being the most central. London prides itself on a superb transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigating and traveling between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk for shorter distances rather than using buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate depending on the distance and pricing structure of each train company. Central London houses prominent attractions, which makes living expenses rather steep. Fortunately, I had a university friend, and we opted to share a room, which substantially lowered our rental costs. I favored residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and the same age group, a combination that would be more challenging to encounter in private rentals.
For me, having grocery stores within reach was essential. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exams.
Deciding on a neighborhood to settle in is quite a task. The ethnic communities of London are vital to its cultural fabric, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for the comfort of their home countries. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community, complete with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with an extensive variety of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new dwelling in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing options, delve into its cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.