Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I have gathered some valuable observations. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its array of housing options but also by its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings offer various options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, examine amenities, and evaluate distance to public transportation.
During my hunt for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London for easy access to major landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. I aimed to keep travel expenses low since moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I decided to stroll short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ depending on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, enrolling at the university with a friend permitted us to share accommodation, greatly lowering the rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s diverse communities are a crucial aspect of its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, at the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this incredible city.