Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although this may seem short, I’ve gained a few perspectives. London is a bustling city, not only for its array of housing choices but also for its multicultural populace. Students have a wealth of options available at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals present opportunities such as ensuite and suite-style bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse possible accommodations online, including their facilities and closeness to public transport.
While searching for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key sites, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy movement across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made university journeys more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London hosts major tourist attractions, which elevates living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we resolved to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to interact with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a combination that’s harder to find in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities represent a crucial part of its cultural fabric, providing a vibrant mix of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their home nation in London. Southall, situated in West London, has a sizable South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic enclave brimming with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new abode in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.