Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this is not a lengthy duration, I have gathered some observations. London is a vibrant city, not solely due to its wide-ranging housing options but also for its eclectic communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring potential housing online, highlighting their features and closeness to public transport.
During my hunt for a place to stay, I aimed to lease a room in Central London for easy access to major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates convenient movement and zone-to-zone travel. To cut down on travel expenses, which can soar up to £5.25 per day for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more cost-efficient. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, accessing zones outside of central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific fare configuration of each train operator. The soaring living costs due to Central London’s major attractions can be daunting. Thankfully, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, substantially lessening our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend less common in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting an area to live in poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of their home countries within London. Southall, in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in central London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and thrill of this extraordinary city.