Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired several insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing options and multicultural neighborhoods. Students have a wealth of choices available. Both student accommodations and private housing offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six zones, with zones one and two being the most central ones. London’s transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for smooth navigation and movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips can reach up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside of central London. Inter-zone travel fares fluctuate based on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodation, considerably lowering rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op exist alongside more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural plurality, creating a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, found in West London, boasts a large South Asian community offering Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and needs. When looking for a new home, embrace the diversity and depth of London’s housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.