Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months living in London. While this timeframe may seem brief, I’ve gained several perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not just for its diverse housing options but also for its multicultural populations. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Options in student housing and private rentals include ensuite and suite bathrooms, both shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom offer international students the ability to explore potential accommodations online, complete with listed amenities and public transport access.
During my search for a living space, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London boasts a superior transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traveling and navigating between zones quite simple. To cut down on travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university much more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground system, covering areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the fare systems of individual train operators. Central London is home to numerous attractions, which leads to higher living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, markedly lowering our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination less common in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; budget-friendly options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite complex. The ethnic communities of London contribute significantly to its cultural landscape, creating a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home cultures while in London. Southall, located in West London, is known for its sizable South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London boasts a vibrant Afro-Caribbean community and an energetic music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, presents a lively area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are mere examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London largely depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a place to call home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city has to offer.