Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I have completed nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have gained various insights. London is a vibrant city, presenting a broad range of housing options and multicultural neighborhoods. Students are presented with many choices at their doorstep, including university housing and private options featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living arrangements online, including facilities and distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitate easy navigation through the city and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 per day, so I opted to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London, with fares varying based on distance and the fare structures of the train companies. The high demand for Central London’s main attractions leads to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is harder to find in private dwellings.
Living close to supermarkets was essential for me. Well-known supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops, like supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, creating diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a connection to their home cultures while living in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population, offering Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the bustling West End of London, is an energetic locale filled with a plethora of Chinese dining options, retail shops, and cultural happenings. These represent only a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for new accommodation in London, appreciate the diversity and depth of its housing options, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the accessibility and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.