Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month mark of residing in London. Although it might not appear lengthy, I have gained a significant amount of knowledge in this period. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized not only by its extensive range of housing choices but also by its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing options online, review amenities, and evaluate their nearness to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport network, which encompasses the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation within the city and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The significant living costs in central London are largely influenced by its major attractions. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, resulting in substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having easy access to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic locale filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London will vary according to your interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.