Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though not a long duration, I have acquired some perspectives during this interval. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its variety of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of choices at their fingertips. Both student accommodation and private housing offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential homes online, along with available amenities and access to public transport.
While on the hunt for living space, my aim was to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can escalate up to £5.25 each day. Thus, I chose to walk short distances rather than utilize buses or the tube. However, options like the oyster card have considerably lowered travel costs for university journeys. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, thereby greatly reducing rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend more challenging to encounter in private residences.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a connection to their home country while in London. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave featuring numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on individual preferences and requirements. When searching for a new place to call home in London, relish the diversity and splendor of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.