Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not be a lengthy duration, it has provided me with valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its array of housing alternatives but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students find themselves with a multitude of options. Both educational housing and private residences offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio units, and house shares. Local scholars can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in virtually examining prospective homes, their features, and their distance from public transport.
During my quest for living quarters, I aspired to rent a room in Central London to remain near major sites, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensuring easy movement and travel across zones. I sought to minimize transportation expenses since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s fare system. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, going to university with a friend allowed us to cohabit a room, significantly lowering rental costs. I favored intercollegiate housing to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, an arrangement more difficult to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with lower-cost alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural mosaic, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connection to their home cultures. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are dependent on personal preferences and necessities. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city has to offer.