Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I’ve gained significant insights. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not only for its extensive range of housing alternatives but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a myriad of choices available. Both university accommodation and private rentals offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective residences online, complete with details on amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hangouts, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transit system that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the fare structures of individual train companies. The costs of living in central London are elevated due to the abundance of major attractions. Fortunately, I was able to attend university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to socialize with peers of various backgrounds and similar ages, which is often more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Easy access to key establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s multicultural communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich mosaic of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a connection to their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the West End of London is a bustling area 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 vary based on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in the city, take advantage of its diverse housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.