Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it may not seem like a lengthy duration, I have amassed some observations. London is a dynamic city, characterized not just by its array of housing options but also by its lively communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide a variety of options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential lodgings online, evaluate amenities, and confirm their distance from public transport.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to maintain proximity to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has a commendable transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains that make travel between zones straightforward. Personally, I focused on minimizing travel expenses, as daily inter-zonal journeys can accumulate to about £5.25. I chose to walk over short distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching further zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services are contingent on distance and the fare policies of the respective train operators. The major attractions in Central London drive up living expenses. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, leading to a significant reduction in rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is more challenging to find in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural landscape, showcasing a diverse array of neighborhoods. A significant number of international students in London look for the comfort of their native culture. Southall in West London features a large South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant enclave filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural activities. These highlight just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The best areas to reside in London greatly depend on personal preferences and requirements. While hunting for a new place to live in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, explore cultural communities, and savor the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.