Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of living in London. Although it’s not a long duration, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives. London is a dynamic city, not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its eclectic communities. Students find themselves with a plethora of choices. Student accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing options online, including provided amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an exceptional transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on buses or the tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly lessened rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and age ranges, a mix less likely found in private residences.
Living in proximity to 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 near vital stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, aids in saving time on chores, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for connections to their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End of London, is a lively area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary according to personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new dwelling in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, discover cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.