Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though it’s not an extensive timeframe, I’ve acquired a few observations. London is an energetic metropolis, not only because of its varied housing options but also due to its multicultural communities. Students have a wide array of choices. Both on-campus housing and private rentals offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore their future living quarters online, along with the amenities available and accessibility to public transportation.
During my quest for housing, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an exceptional transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since inter-zonal travel could cost up to £5.25 a day. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have significantly lowered university commuting expenses. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Charges for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare policy of each train operating company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to the high cost of living. Luckily, sharing accommodation with a friend at university enabled us to split the rent, leading to substantial savings. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is tougher to find in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural diversity, creating a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The best areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, be open to the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.