Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not be an extensive duration, I’ve amassed some valuable observations. London is a vibrant city, offering not only a plethora of housing options but also a variety of communities. Students are presented with an abundance of choices. Both university accommodations and private housing feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in checking potential living spaces online, along with their features and distance to public transport.
In searching for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to primary attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London offers an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel costs since inter-zone travel can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high living costs surrounding central London’s prime attractions can be daunting. Fortunately, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend harder to find in private housing.
Having grocery stores in close proximity was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood for living poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural identity, providing a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural events. These are just a sample of the community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.