Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of living in London. While it may not be an extensive period, I’ve gleaned some knowledge throughout this experience. London is a vibrant city, not just because of its wide-ranging housing options but also due to its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, complete with details on amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to key sites, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six overlapping zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s commendable public transport system, inclusive of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for straightforward movement and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to lower travel expenses, as moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I decided to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, university life alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, substantially lessening our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Notable supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near critical stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, weaving a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for a connection to their home countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub featuring a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and depth of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.