Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive period, I’ve gathered some knowledge. London is a dynamic city, not only due to its wide range of housing choices but also because of its multicultural communities. Students possess numerous options available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations provide features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, both shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential living spaces online, along with available amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a place to call home, my intention was to rent a room in Central London to be near major sites, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London has an exceptional public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enabling smooth navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I was keen on minimizing travel expenses, as passing between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made daily commutes to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve regions beyond the Underground network, covering areas that extend outside central London. Costs for travel between zones on these services depend on distance and the fare structures set by each train operator. The living expenses in Central London are quite steep due to its significant attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to cohabit, which greatly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student residences, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, being in close proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural diversity, providing a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are just a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London largely depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.