Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it might not appear as a lengthy stay, I’ve accumulated some knowledge during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its extensive range of housing options but also for its multicultural environments. Students have a plethora of alternatives at their fingertips. Both university accommodation and private rentals offer various choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio units, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective accommodations online, including details about the facilities available and the distance to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an impressive public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which helps in seamless movement and travel across zones. Personally, my goal was to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than utilize buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, catering to regions outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services change according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The renowned attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I joined the university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate housing, anticipating the chance to encounter students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London poses challenges. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural framework, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home cultures. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively musical atmosphere. Chinatown, centrally located in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.