Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. Though it might appear brief, I have acquired several insights during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its various housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a wide array of choices at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio units, and flatshares. Local students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, verify amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London offers a superb transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I wanted to keep travel expenses low since inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, options for oyster cards have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to cover regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I had a friend attending the same university, and we decided to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been harder through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London proves to be a difficult choice. The city’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural composition, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and necessities. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.