Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I have gathered much experience. London is an energetic metropolis, not only due to its diverse living arrangements but also because of its multicultural communities. Students are presented with numerous options right at their fingertips. Both shared accommodation and private housing provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, showcasing facilities and accessibility to public transport.
During my housing search, I prioritized a room in Central London for easy access to major sites, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a top-notch transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, options with an Oyster card have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel depend on distance and the pricing structure of different train operators. The existence of numerous major attractions in Central London results in elevated living costs. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, allowing us to significantly cut down on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, wishing to connect with students from various backgrounds and within a similar age range, which would have been more challenging with private residences.
Proximity to grocery stores was a significant factor for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities greatly enrich its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their native culture within London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant quarter filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home, welcome the diversity and abundance of London’s accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.