Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not feel like a long period, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives during this time. 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 to them. Both student accommodation and private living spaces present selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential homes online, including their amenities and proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for a living space, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an excellent transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel and navigation between the zones. To economize on travel costs, as inter-zonal travel can ascend to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for these services vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which greatly decreased our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is harder to encounter in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines daily errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are key to its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant mosaic of diverse areas. Many international students seek out familiarity with their home culture within London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, at the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The finest locales for living in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace its varied accommodation choices, delve into cultural communities, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.