Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may appear brief, I’ve gained extensive insights during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its variety of housing options but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have a myriad of choices readily available. Both student accommodation and private housing present alternatives like ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, encompassing amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to maintain proximity to major sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating ease of movement across zones. Personally, I desired to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card choices have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policy of each train operator. The high living costs in central London are influenced by its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a rare combination in private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home nations. Southall, located in West London, is home to a prominent South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling locality filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residing in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. While looking for a new home in London, embrace its diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.