Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While this period may seem brief, I have gained several insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its plethora of housing choices but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a wide array of options available to them. Student residences and private rentals provide various configurations such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing options online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London features a superb transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zonal travel. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can accumulate costs up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than opt for the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside the central zone. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on the distance traveled and the specific pricing structure of each rail operator. The high living costs associated with Central London’s prominent attractions can be challenging. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which considerably alleviated rental expenses. I preferred living in intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that would have been difficult to find in private residences.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, as well as budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errands, particularly during examination phases.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in presents challenges. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, creating a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for the comfort of their native cultures. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring numerous Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for accommodation in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. While hunting for your next home in London, embrace the variety and wealth of housing options, explore the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.