Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gained several observations. London is a bustling metropolis, not only due to its myriad accommodation choices but also for its varied communities. Students have an abundance of options available. Both student residences and private lodgings provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential rentals online, inspect amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which provide seamless movement and travel among zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to stroll shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. The significant costs of living in Central London are attributed to its prominent attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, greatly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby helps streamline errand-running, especially during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood presents challenges. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural fabric, showcasing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for the comforts of their native countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a handful of the community neighborhoods available.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When embarking on the search for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.