Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the milestone of nine months living in London. While this timeframe may seem brief, I’ve gathered some valuable experiences along the way. London is a dynamic city, renowned not just for its myriad of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Whether it’s student residences or private rentals, there’s a variety of configurations including ensuite and suite bathrooms, both shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring potential accommodations online, complete with details on amenities and access to public transportation.
During my search for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, vibrant social scenes, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six nested zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a robust public transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies travel across different zones. I was keen to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university much more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground system, servicing areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the pricing policies of each train operator. Living expenses near central London’s main attractions are notably high. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend during my time at university allowed us to lower our rent considerably. I favored intercollegiate housing, in hopes of meeting students from various backgrounds and of similar ages, a demographic less prevalent in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket names include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having easy access to critical shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a real time-saver, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite daunting. The ethnic groups in London play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, creating a vibrant mix of neighborhoods. Many international students find comfort in areas that reflect their home country. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the bustling West End, is a vibrant area teeming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of community-oriented locales.
The ideal neighborhoods for living in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in the city, embrace the diversity and wealth of accommodation alternatives, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and revel in the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.