Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it might not appear to be a long time, I have gathered several observations throughout this period. London is a bustling city, renowned not only for its extensive range of housing choices but also for its multicultural communities. Students have numerous options available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer various types, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, verify amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay near significant landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, options using an oyster card have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, attending university with a friend allowed us to share accommodation and considerably reduce our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to encounter peers from a variety of backgrounds and a similar age group, which would have been more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenging task. The ethnic communities of London are a crucial component of its cultural mosaic, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of familiar surroundings from their home nations. Southall, located in West London, accommodates a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant district filled with several Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of culturally diverse neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal interests and preferences. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and vibrancy of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and energy of this remarkable city.