Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently hit the nine-month mark of residing in London. Though it may appear brief, I’ve picked up some observations in this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its myriad housing opportunities but also for its heterogeneous communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine potential residences online, explore amenities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be near significant landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six overlapping zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes traveling and navigating between zones straightforward. I wanted to keep travel expenses low as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on buses or the tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The high living expenses in Central London can be attributed to its main attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend harder to find in private listings.
For me, being near supermarkets was essential. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies close by saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tricky. The ethnic communities in London are fundamental to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is acclaimed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. In the center of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London rely on personal interests and requirements. While searching for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and take pleasure in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.