Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have acquired several insights throughout this time. London is a vibrant city, renowned not only for its extensive range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a plethora of alternatives. Both student residences and private accommodations offer an assortment of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse their prospective housing online, examine amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
In my hunt for a living space, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London features an impressive public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. Consequently, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching locations outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London showcases key attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Fortunately, I was in university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, greatly decreasing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that can be more challenging to find in private residences.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London form an integral aspect of its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant array of different neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-based neighborhoods.
The finest areas to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.