Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Although it might not sound extensive, I’ve accumulated several experiences during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, appreciated not only for its variety of housing choices but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students enjoy a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and communal living arrangements. Local students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review available features, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
In my hunt for accommodation, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most pivotal. London features an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I sought to reduce travel costs, as inter-zonal transit can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have lowered commuting costs for university trips. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, accessing areas outside central London. Travel fares between zones on these services vary depending on distance and the pricing system of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university helped us significantly cut down on rent. I preferred inter-collegiate accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age brackets, a blend that tends to be harder to discover in private sector housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with lower-cost alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby streamlines errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural framework, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students crave the comfort of their native cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional garment shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music ambiance. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural activities. These are only a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing landscape, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this remarkable city offers.