Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While this timeframe may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its array of living arrangements but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have various options available. Both student housing and private lodgings provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom facilitate international students in browsing potential homes online, reviewing amenities, and locating nearby public transport links.
During my quest for accommodation, I sought to lease a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. Instead of utilizing the bus or tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London comprises major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred student accommodations that catered to various institutions, hoping to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less commonly found in private residences.
Being situated near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with lower-priced options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural identity, providing a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of familiarity from their home countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to live in London are contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.