Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not be extensive, I’ve gathered a fair amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of choices available. Student residences and private lodging present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
During my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate between zones. To cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal transit can amount to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to the university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground coverage, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each operating train company. Central London, housing major attractions, leads to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly lowering our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mixture that is harder to come by in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being nearby essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. A multitude of international students seeks connections to their home countries while in London. Southall, situated in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area with many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.