Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this may not seem lengthy, I’ve acquired several observations during this time. London is an energetic city, known not only for its wide range of housing selections but also for its multicultural communities. Students have numerous alternatives at their disposal. Both student residences and private lodgings offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, complete with the amenities available and their distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought a room in Central London to remain in proximity to notable sights, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an excellent transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplify navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living costs. Fortunately, attending university with a friend allowed us to split a room, resulting in considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a significant time saver, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity from their home culture in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and needs. When looking for accommodation in London, embrace its diverse and rich housing opportunities, discover the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.