Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem like a substantial duration, I have gleaned a fair amount of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its range of housing choices but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer variations such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential live-in options online, examine facilities, and evaluate accessibility to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, nightlife, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport infrastructure is outstanding, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy travel and commuting between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, considering that inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 daily. Hence, I opted to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more budget-friendly. Also, London Overground and National Rail services extend to localities beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s fare framework. Central London features significant attractions, driving up living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we mutually agreed to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings to interact with classmates from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a feat that would be more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery shops was vital for me. Popular supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital establishments such as grocery stores and pharmacies is a time-saver for errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. The ethnic communities in London are central to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their home culture. Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with a multitude of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few representations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and needs. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the ease and thrill this astonishing city offers.