Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its diverse housing options but also its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a myriad of choices. Both student accommodation and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, examine available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transit.
In my quest for a residence, I targeted a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is organized into six layered zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport infrastructure, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and journey across zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can escalate to £5.25 daily. I preferred walking short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent expenses. I selected intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varying backgrounds and the same age group, a blend that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to supermarkets was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby streamlines errands, especially during exam seasons.
Choosing a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing an intricate mosaic of diverse areas. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their country of origin in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian presence, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the center of London’s West End, embodies a lively hub filled with myriad Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London are determined by personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.