Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. While this may not be an extensive period, I have gathered various insights throughout. London is an energetic metropolis, celebrated not just for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, including features and closeness to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to maintain proximity to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an impressive transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel between zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses since commuting between zones can amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than take buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have considerably lowered commuting costs for university students. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground reach, covering areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary by distance and the pricing structures of the respective train operators. The notable attractions in Central London drive up living expenses. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, which substantially lessened our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was important to me. Popular supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are common, alongside budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies close by saves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic groups play a crucial role in its cultural richness, providing a diverse selection of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their home countries. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community, replete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the bustling West End of London, offers an energetic environment filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, celebrate the variety and abundance of its housing options, dive into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.