Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this duration might seem brief, I have garnered valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its myriad housing options but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students benefit from a plethora of selections. Both student housing and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, evaluate available amenities, and gauge distance to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I set my sights on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s robust transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation and commuting between zones. My objective was to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal commuting 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 made university journeys more budget-friendly. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, accessing areas outside central London. Fares for these services differ according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high cost of living near Central London’s attractions can be daunting. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while more economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exams.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek out the comforts of their home cultures. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community, replete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, thrives with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a sampling of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. While hunting for a new abode in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.