Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of living in London. Although it may not seem extensive, I’ve gleaned various perspectives. London vibrates with energy, not only due to its varied housing selections but also because of its multicultural environments. Students find themselves with a plethora of options. The offerings span both student accommodations and private rentals, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and home shares. Local students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in viewing potential residences online, examining facilities, and gauging accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was a room in Central London to be close to key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two hosting the most central areas. London has an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and traverse between zones. To cut travel expenses, as inter-zone travel can cost up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more manageable financially. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground system, connecting to areas outside central London, with ticket prices varying by distance and train company pricing models. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, enrolling in university alongside a friend allowed us to share an accommodation, significantly lowering our rent. I preferred intercollegiate housing to interact with students from varied backgrounds and ages, a mix that is harder to discover in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for my convenience. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland exist. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps to save time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural landscape, providing diverse locales. A number of international students seek familiarity with their homelands in the city. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling hub filled with various Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a few examples of culturally rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diverse and rich housing options, delve into cultural districts, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.