Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine months of residence in London. While it may not seem extensive, I have absorbed a considerable amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its diverse housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations present an array of options such as ensuite and suite toilets, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in online accommodation explorations, reviewing facilities, and locating nearby public transport links.
In my quest for a living space, I targeted a room in Central London to remain close to main attractions, social gathering spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a commendable transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal transport can amount to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university travels more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground grid, extending to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing models of each train operator. Central London features key attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we made an arrangement to share a room, which resulted in significant rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging with private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood for living is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London desire familiarity with their homeland. Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown located in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for new accommodation in London, revel in the city’s diversity and richness of housing options, delve into cultural hotspots, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.