Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months in London. Although it’s a relatively short period, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not just for its variety of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student accommodation and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential homes online, verify amenities, and gauge closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I hoped to rent a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s superb public transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensures easy navigation and travel among zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since crossing between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. As an alternative to taking the bus or tube, I chose to walk short distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zone. Fares for travel across zones on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs in central London are influenced by its prominent attractions. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend during university helped us to significantly lower our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is often more elusive in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retail outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting the right neighborhood is not straightforward. The ethnic communities of London are essential to its cultural identity, contributing to a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students yearn for the comforts of their home country in London. Southall in West London houses a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These exemplify just a few community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon your preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new home in London, appreciate the diverse and rich accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.