Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear lengthy, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is an energetic city, not solely for its variety of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, including details about amenities and access to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies commuting and travel across zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 per day. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Yet, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high costs of living in central London are attributed to its major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which resulted in substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to meet peers from different backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would have been more arduous through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The proximity to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on shopping, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural fabric, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical culture. Chinatown, in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When searching for new accommodation in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this remarkable city.