Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I’ve obtained various perspectives throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just for its wide range of housing solutions but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have an array of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, including the amenities they include and their closeness to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in central London to stay close to major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s superb public transport system—comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitates easy movement between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I decided to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London’s key attractions lead to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that is tougher to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tricky. London’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home country in this metropolis. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.