Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this duration may not be lengthy, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant city, presenting a variety of housing choices and multicultural neighborhoods. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective housing online, along with their facilities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a living arrangement, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I wanted to minimize commuting costs since inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to co-rent a room, which notably lowered our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups—something that is less common in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are key to its cultural essence, providing a rich array of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a touch of home within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.