Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I’ve gathered various insights throughout this time. London is an energetic city, not only due to its extensive range of housing options but also its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of possibilities at their disposal. Choices in both student housing and private rentals include amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore their future living spaces online, evaluating the provided amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the prime zones being one and two. London features an outstanding transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation across zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses low since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. Thus, I preferred walking shorter distances over using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground, connecting to areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone commutes on these services differ according to distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. The major attractions of Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to cohabit, which greatly eased our rent burden. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and age groups, which is often more challenging to find in privately rented properties.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies reduces the time spent on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood for residence poses its challenges. The ethnic communities in London form an essential part of its cultural identity, creating a vibrant mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students in London often seek out connections to their native cultures. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, offering a variety of Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These exemplify just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are contingent on individual preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of its accommodation choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.