Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this time frame may appear brief, I’ve gathered some valuable perspectives during my stay. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its extensive housing options but also for its multicultural populations. Students are presented with countless opportunities right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer various choices, including ensuite bathrooms, suite designs, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective housing options online, as well as check amenities and distances to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six overlapping zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London is equipped with an outstanding transit network featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes getting around and traveling between zones straightforward. To economize on travel expenses, since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk for short distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more budget-friendly. Additionally, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. The fare rates for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of each train operator. Residing in Central London can be expensive due to its prominent attractions. Fortunately, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate housing options to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and age groups, which is challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Picking a neighborhood in London is a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural framework, creating a colorful mosaic of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their home countries. Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian community, offering Indian eateries, grocery stores, and shops selling traditional attire. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant locale filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community-centered neighborhoods.
The best locations to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. While searching for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its housing choices, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.