Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I have gained significant insights. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural population. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student and private accommodations provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective housing online, including facilities and proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near major sites, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six overlapping zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a commendable transport network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enabling smooth travel and movement between zones. Personally, I aimed to cut transportation expenses as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs near Central London’s main attractions can be daunting. Fortunately, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to significant rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with individuals from different backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix less easily found in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time for errands, especially during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s diverse ethnic communities are a crucial aspect of its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their home cultures. Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music culture. Found in the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown is an energetic area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London vary based on personal preferences and necessities. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing selections, discover cultural enclaves, and immerse yourself in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.