Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this may not be an extensive period, I have gained some insights. London is an energetic metropolis, not only due to its array of housing choices but also its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have numerous options available at their fingertips. Both student residences and private accommodations provide various selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and singular rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to explore potential housing online, assess amenities, and discover nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London are influenced by the city’s major attractions. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and of similar ages, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity 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 crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural richness, providing a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their home country’s familiarity. Southall, located in West London, hosts a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale packed with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of neighborhood communities.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on individual interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and energy of this extraordinary city.