Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I have celebrated nine months of living in London. Although it might not appear lengthy, I have gathered some valuable insights throughout this duration. London is an energetic metropolis, not only for its array of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have plenty of alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodging online, encompassing facilities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a commendable transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal transit could incur costs up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The central attractions in London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a companion enabled us to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on tasks, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich mix of diverse areas. Many international students look for connections to their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, at the center of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.