Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve completed nine months of residing in London. Though it’s not a lengthy duration, I’ve gained some perspectives. London is a vibrant city, not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Both student residences and private homes present a variety of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, showcasing amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a remarkable transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between different zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can be as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London, housing major landmarks, tends to have higher living costs. Thankfully, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, providing a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall, situated in West London, features a large South Asian population with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to live in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a home in London, appreciate the diversity and depth of its accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.