Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I’ve reached the nine-month mark of residing in London. Although this isn’t a long duration, I’ve gained several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, rich not only in its range of housing options but also in its varied communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both campus housing and private rentals offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can promptly schedule viewings for apartments, while websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, along with details of their amenities and distance to public transportation.
In my hunt for a residence, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London has an outstanding transport system, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to move around and travel between zones. To cut down on travel costs, as inter-zonal travel may reach as high as £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground system, covering zones beyond central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, going to university with a friend allowed us to split a room, significantly lowering our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that’s more challenging to find in private accommodations.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near important shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is quite a task. The ethnic communities in London play a pivotal role in its cultural milieu, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to live in London vary based on individual preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place to call home in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing selections, explore cultural enclaves, and embrace the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.