Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a long duration, I’ve accumulated some understanding. London is a vibrant city, not only for its diverse housing selections but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals provide amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Students living at home can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential residences online, alongside their features and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key sites, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an exceptional transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal transit can reach up to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, attending university with a companion allowed us to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that’s harder to find in private accommodations.
Being near grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural fabric, offering a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity from their native lands while in London. Southall in West London houses a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown in the West End showcases an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to live in London rely on personal preferences and necessities. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the pluralism and richness of its housing options, dive into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.