Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it may not appear lengthy, I’ve acquired several insights during this duration. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a vast array of housing options and multicultural neighborhoods. Students have numerous alternatives at their fingertips. Both student housing and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio units, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, complete with details about amenities and proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to stay near major landmarks, social areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, since inter-zonal trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to zones outside central London, with fares differing based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly lowering our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be difficult. The city’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, offering a rich blend of diverse areas. Many international students seek connections to their home cultures in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When embarking on the search for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.