Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Just recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a long stretch, I’ve acquired various insights throughout this duration. London is a dynamic city, notable not only for its vast selection of housing choices but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have a plethora of options available, with both student accommodations and private rentals providing choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore potential homes online, review amenities, and evaluate the closeness to public transport.
During my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be near key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is split into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, inclusive of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, promoting ease of travel and navigation between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, considering inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 a day. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Fare structures for these services differ by distance and each train company’s pricing. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly lowering our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets, a mix that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is no easy task. The city’s ethnic communities significantly enrich its cultural fabric, presenting a diverse range of neighborhoods. Many international students search for the comfort of their native cultures in London. Southall, in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, centrally located in London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The best areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.