Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of living in London. Though this isn’t a lengthy duration, I’ve gained some perspectives. London is a vibrant city, not only due to its wide range of housing options but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing options online, along with the features provided and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I sought a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central ones. London features an excellent transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones simple. To minimize travel expenses, since inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 per day, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The key attractions in Central London result in high living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which considerably decreased our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s often more difficult to find in private rentals.
Living in close proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Main supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic enclaves are vital to its cultural mosaic, offering a rich blend of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of their native cultures in London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and its lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few illustrations of vibrant community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.