Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained significant insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting an array of housing options and multicultural neighborhoods. Students have a plethora of alternatives at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings offer selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom grant international students the ability to browse potential rentals online, examine amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
During my hunt for accommodation, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, rendering it simple to explore and commute between zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can reach £5.25 per day, I preferred to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas outside the Underground network, connecting to zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the fare structure applied by each train operator. Central London features major attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended the university with a friend, and we shared a room, which greatly alleviated rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with students from various backgrounds and similar age demographics, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The convenience of nearby essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their home culture. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian dining spots, grocery markets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-based neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for residing in London are contingent upon individual preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, appreciate the city’s varied housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.