Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months residing in London. While this duration might seem brief, I’ve gathered several perspectives. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its multifaceted communities. Students are presented with a plethora of choices. Both student accommodations and private housing come with amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private living spaces, studio flats, and house shares. Local scholars can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential residences online, detailing amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my pursuit of a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 each day. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than depend on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, accessing areas beyond central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structures of the respective train operators. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to heightened living expenses. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university made rent considerably more affordable. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that’s more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, complemented by budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a pivotal role in its cultural scene, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse areas. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity from their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a prominent South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, stands as a bustling enclave adorned with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of illustrative examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London vary according to personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.