Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve completed nine months of my stay in London. Although it may seem brief, I have gathered various observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its extensive selection of housing but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide a variety of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Students residing at home can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, along with their features and distances from public transit.
During my search for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six circular zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London offers a superb transport network consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can be as high as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, connecting to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structures set by individual train companies. The high living expenses in Central London are attributed to its many major attractions. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university allowed us to significantly lower our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to meet peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for similarities to their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the midst of London’s West End, offers a bustling atmosphere filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are just a few examples of community-driven neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. To secure a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing alternatives, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.