Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear lengthy, I have gained considerable insight. London is an energetic city, not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student residences and private lodgings provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio units, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, including their features and proximity to public transport.
In my pursuit of housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to ensure proximity to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it convenient to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can accumulate charges up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, Oyster card options have rendered university commutes more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The cost of living in Central London is elevated due to its major attractions. Thankfully, attending university with a companion permitted us to share a room, considerably reducing rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to meet peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend harder to find in private accommodations.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with less expensive alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a vibrant area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.