Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this duration isn’t very long, I have gathered some reflections. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its range of housing alternatives but also for its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student residences and private lodgings provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, highlighting amenities and access to public transport.
During my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, encompassing the underground, buses, and trains, allows for easy travel and navigation between zones. To keep travel expenses down, as inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on public transport. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London, with prices varying according to distance and the train operator’s fare policies. Central London’s prominent sights play a role in the elevated living costs. Thankfully, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly lowering our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Familiar supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural fabric, creating a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian population complete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a vibrant district filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural communities, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.