Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my time in London. While this isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve gathered some experiences along the way. London is a bustling metropolis, known not only for its extensive range of housing possibilities but also for its multicultural populace. Students have a multitude of options available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer an array of selections, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private quarters, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring potential housing options online, examining available amenities, and evaluating closeness to public transport.
During my search for a home, I aimed for a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city consists of six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London enjoys a superb transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse and travel across different zones. I wanted to keep travel expenses low since moving between zones can incur costs up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using bus or tube services. Nevertheless, oyster card options have notably reduced the cost of commuting to the university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each respective train company. Major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending the university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, enabling us to save considerably on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations in the hope of interacting with peers from various backgrounds and the same age bracket, which can be harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery outlets was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of its cultural identity, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their home cultures. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with Indian dining options, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located centrally in London’s West End, is a lively area filled with an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. While on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the variety and richness of housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.