Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this duration might not seem extensive, I’ve absorbed a lot. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not just for its wide array of living arrangements but also for its multicultural demographics. There’s an abundance of choices available to students right at their front door. Options for student housing and private rentals include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, complete with the available amenities and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to reside, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies commuting and traversing between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel could reach up to £5.25 daily. Thus, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have lowered the cost of university commutes. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside inner London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Living in Central London comes with a high cost of living due to major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was crucial for me. Familiar supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are common, with more affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural landscape, offering a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students pursue a sense of familiarity with their home country. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, offers a plethora of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of community-centered neighborhoods.
The most desirable areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, welcome the diversity and abundance of accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this exceptional city.