Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not be an extensive period, I have gained a wealth of knowledge. London is a vibrant city, not only because of its various housing options but also due to its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio units, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange for apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, encompassing available facilities and closeness to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to lease a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize commuting expenses since inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have contributed to making university travels more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground, extending into zones outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the fare framework of each train operator. Central London hosts major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly decreased our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, an aspect that would have been harder with private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood presents challenges. London’s ethnic communities are a crucial aspect of its cultural fabric, providing diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their native countries. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown situated in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The finest neighborhoods to reside in London rely on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.