Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months is not a lengthy duration, I’ve acquired some knowledge during this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, not solely due to its varied housing possibilities but also its multicultural communities. Students have an array of options available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer a range of selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in assessing their future lodgings online, including available amenities and distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a top-notch transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to get around and navigate between zones. Personally, I intended to lower travel costs as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to substantial living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly decreasing rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is often harder to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time for errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is quite a task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich blend of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their home cultures. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the core of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The finest places to live in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for new housing in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, dive into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.