Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have gained a wealth of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, not only due to its diverse living arrangements but also its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both student lodgings and private rentals provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, complete with amenities and access to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I desired a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport infrastructure, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies traversing and commuting between zones. My goal was to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university trips. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services cover regions beyond the Underground system, extending into areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. Central London, being home to major attractions, incurs high living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, greatly decreasing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having quick access to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural essence, resulting in rich and diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek comfort in recognizable elements of their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, offers a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples showcase just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal districts to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, welcome the variety and richness of accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.