Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this duration might seem short, I have gathered some observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its array of housing alternatives but also its multicultural populace. Students have a multitude of choices available. Student accommodations and private housing present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Home students can conveniently organize viewings of apartments, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, alongside details regarding amenities and access to public transportation.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed for a room rental in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most centralized. London features an outstanding transportation system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement across various zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can accumulate to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of utilizing buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground framework, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare arrangements of each train operator. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend permitted us to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, as I hoped to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a blend that is somewhat more challenging to find in private housing.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood proves to be a challenge. London’s diverse ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural profile, showcasing a rich array of unique neighbourhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their homelands. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian population, including 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, in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few representations of communal neighbourhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing offerings, explore cultural pockets, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.