Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it might not seem extensive, I’ve garnered some experiences throughout this period. London is an energetic metropolis, known not only for its variety of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of alternatives available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and bathroom suites, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living arrangements online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to significant attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London features an excellent transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and move between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can escalate to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of opting for 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, reaching areas outside the central hub. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London presents major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which significantly cut down on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student living arrangements, eager to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s harder to encounter in private residences.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a tough choice. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for the comfort of their home nations. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a spirited enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, retail outlets, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When exploring for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.