Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it isn’t a lengthy timeframe, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its varied housing selections but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to review potential lodgings online, complete with their facilities and distance from public transport.
During my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric areas, with zones one and two being the most central. London has an excellent transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies travel and navigation between zones. I preferred to keep my travel costs low, as inter-zonal trips can be as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university journeys more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare arrangement of each train operator. The attractions in Central London contribute to steep living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we shared a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that can be tougher to find in private housing.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Being close to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of distinctive neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a connection to their home cultures. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.