Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of living in London. While this may not seem like a lengthy period, I’ve gathered several insights during my stay. London is a vibrant city, marked not only by its extensive variety of housing options but also by its multicultural communities. Students are presented with numerous choices at their fingertips. Both student residences and private accommodations feature a range of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily coordinate apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring prospective living options online, including the provided amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay close to significant sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London offers an outstanding public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it convenient to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services differ according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The presence of major attractions in Central London results in elevated living expenses. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university helped us cut down on rent significantly. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is no easy task. The city’s ethnic groups play a vital role in its cultural fabric, creating a rich array of varied neighborhoods. Many international students search for a semblance of their homeland in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area lined with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to live in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement this incredible city has to offer.