Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have acquired various insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only because of its wide range of housing alternatives but also due to its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of selection available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer various options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing online, examine available facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a place to live, I sought to rent a room in Central London for easy access to major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London offers an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than depend on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Fares for these services vary according to distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, greatly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more challenging to find through private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies saves time on chores, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities significantly enrich its cultural fabric, providing a vibrant mix of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity from their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, positioned in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, engage with cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.