Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its range of housing options but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, review amenities, and identify nearby public transport links.
In my quest for a place to live, I set out to find a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has a superb transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitate easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal commuting can amount to £5.25 daily, prompting me to opt for walking short distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The cost of living in Central London is high due to its major attractions. Thankfully, as I was attending university with a friend, we shared a room, significantly cutting our rent expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is often challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Many international scholars seek a sense of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall in West London houses a substantial South Asian community, offering Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively district filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are just a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, relish the diversity and depth of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.