Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this timeframe isn’t extensive, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant city, not solely for its varied housing alternatives but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, inclusive of amenities and public transport accessibility.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, considering inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered daily university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside of central London. Fares for these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each rail company. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, by sharing a room with a friend while attending university, we managed to significantly lower our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s more challenging to discover with private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during the exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s vibrant ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich landscape of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district featuring an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for residing in London hinge on personal preferences and needs. To discover a new home in London, embrace the city’s extensive housing selections, delve into its cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.