Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this isn’t a lengthy duration, I’ve acquired some perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its range of living arrangements but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can easily schedule viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to preview potential homes online, evaluate amenities, and consider access to public transportation.
During my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be near major attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize transportation expenses since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The significant tourist attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, greatly alleviating rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate housing as it allowed me to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a critical role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their homeland. Southall in West London is known for its significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples represent just a few community neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When looking for new housing in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.