Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Though it’s a brief time, I’ve gathered various experiences. London is dynamic, not just in its range of housing options but also in its multicultural communities. Students have ample alternatives available. Both student residences and private flats feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio units, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, including facilities and accessibility to public transit.
During my search for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s superb transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes moving between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can reach £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services operate beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high costs of living in Central London’s main attractions are notable. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed for room sharing, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination less common in private residences.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek comfort from their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London largely depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new abode in London, embrace the richness and diversity of its housing selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.