Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this time frame might seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its wide range of housing options but also because of its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective living spaces online, examine amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transport.
During my quest for a residence, I set out to rent a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six circular zones, with zones one and two representing the core. London features a commendable transportation network, such as the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making movement and travel across zones quite manageable. Personally, I aimed to keep travel expenses low since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made travel to the university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in central London are influenced by the abundance of major attractions. Fortunately, having a friend at university enabled us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds around the same age, a combination less commonly found in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important for me. Main supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be quite daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look to find comfort in familiar aspects of their home countries while in London. Southall, situated in West London, hosts a large South Asian population, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, placed in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling district featuring countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of vibrant community areas.
The most suitable areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.