Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this isn’t an extensive period, I’ve gathered some observations. London is a vibrant city, not just due to its wide range of housing options but also because of its multicultural communities. Students are presented with numerous choices. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential housing online, review available amenities, and determine proximity to public transport.
In my search for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to popular attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transit network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for easy navigation throughout the city and travel between zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as journeys between zones can amount to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, options like the oyster card have made traveling to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system into outer zones, with fares varying according to distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room and considerably lower our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would have been more difficult with private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical choices. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents challenges. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, creating a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples showcasing community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to live in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace its diverse accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.