Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month residency in London. While it might not appear lengthy, I’ve gathered several observations during this period. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its extensive range of housing choices but also its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have numerous options available to them. Both university housing and private rentals provide varied selections like ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing online, check available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city consists of six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the heartbeat of the city. London features a superb transport system that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to get around and travel between zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than use buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university much more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending into areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structures of each train operator. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, going to university with a friend allowed us to share a room, greatly decreasing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from different backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
It was essential for me to live near grocery stores. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities richly contribute to its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London desire the comfort of familiarity with their home countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, represents a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural gatherings. These are just a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to live in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.