Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive duration, I’ve gathered some valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant city, not just for its diverse housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, verify available amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I sought a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and train services, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commutes to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing policies of each train operator. The high living costs around Central London’s prime attractions can be daunting. Fortunately, I shared accommodations with a university friend, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred student accommodations among colleges, anticipating the chance to connect with students from varied backgrounds and comparable age groups, a blend harder to come by in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op exist, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies minimizes time spent on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural essence, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students find comfort in familiar aspects from their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on individual preferences and requirements. While looking for a new dwelling in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, discover cultural communities, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.