Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is a dynamic city, characterized not only by its wide array of housing options but also by its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, review amenities, and evaluate their proximity to public transit.
During my apartment hunt, I targeted a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a comprehensive transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs around Central London’s main attractions are notable. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share accommodation, resulting in significant rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that is often harder to find in privately owned properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during the exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for a connection to their home cultures. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.