Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated the completion of nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear lengthy, I have gained valuable perspectives during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of alternatives at their fingertips. Both student accommodation and private housing present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review available facilities, and evaluate distance to public transit.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the closest to the center. London features a top-notch transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to traverse and commute across zones. I sought to reduce my travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can accumulate to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nonetheless, options like the oyster card have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground system, serving areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each rail operator. The prominence of central London’s major tourist attractions keeps living costs elevated. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more budget-friendly choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to critical stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. The ethnic communities of London play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse areas. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of their home countries. 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 renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a dynamic enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a fraction of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.