Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the conclusion of nine months of residing in London. While that may not appear to be extensive, I’ve gathered some perspectives during this duration. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its diverse housing choices but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a wide array of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house sharing. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, assess available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transit.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to be in proximity to key attractions, community centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. To minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The primary attractions in central London contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly lowered our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less common in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam sessions.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural diversity, offering a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for a semblance of their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.