Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I’ve marked nine months residing in London. Though it’s a short span, I’ve gained considerable insights. London vibrates with life, not only due to its wide range of housing choices but also because of its multicultural communities. Students find numerous options right at their fingertips. Both university accommodations and private rentals present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential apartments online, review facilities, and assess closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to find a room in Central London to remain near prominent sights, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips may cost up to £5.25 a day, I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university students. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services operate in areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside the heart of London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Living in Central London grants access to prominent attractions, which raises living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we resolved to share a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix not easily found in private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; budget-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural diversity, presenting various neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a taste of their homeland. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the variety and wealth of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.