Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this period might not seem extensive, I have gathered some observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its wide range of housing options but also by its rich cultural diversity. Students have numerous alternatives readily available. Both student accommodations and private housing present styles such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio units, and flatshares. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while international students can explore future housing options online through platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom, which include details about amenities and accessibility to public transit.
In my pursuit of a residence, I set out to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London boasts a superior public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as moving between zones can accumulate costs of up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network into areas outside central London. Fares for cross-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing system of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London stem from its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, eager to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination that is less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Key supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of varied neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their home country. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. 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, is a lively area filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These examples exemplify some community neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new home in the city, embrace its expansive diversity and richness in accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.