Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of my stay in London. Although it may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, noted not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students find an abundance of choices readily available. Both student residences and private lodgings provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, assess facilities, and locate nearby public transport options.
In my pursuit of accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city encompasses six concentric zones, with zones one and two being at the core. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone fares can reach £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground system, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these routes differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to significant attractions, which contributes to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended the university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I had a preference for intercollegiate student housing, eager to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is more challenging to find in private accommodations.
Proximity to grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarkets included Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential places like grocery stores and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s diverse ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students hope to discover familiarity with their native culture in London. Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is an energetic enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These exemplify just a few of the community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most desirable residential areas in London vary based on personal interests and needs. When hunting for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.