Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve gained a considerable amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, rich not only in its wide array of housing options but also in its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private living arrangements feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, including amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed for a room situated in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London has an exceptional transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London are influenced by the city’s major attractions. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly lowering our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was imperative for me. Common supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, with more economical alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These represent just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.