Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of living in London. While this may not seem like a long time, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant city, celebrated not only for its wide array of living arrangements but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students can choose from a variety of options. Both student housing and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared rooms, private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in browsing potential accommodations online, alongside their features and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a remarkable transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I sought to keep travel expenses low, as cross-zone journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground grid, connecting to zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these lines vary depending on distance and the fare policy of each train service. The high demand for central London’s attractions leads to elevated living costs. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend while attending university allowed us to significantly lower our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and a similar age group, a combination more difficult to find in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily available, alongside more budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time for running errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their native cultures. Southall, in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London rely on personal preferences and needs. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.