Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Though this time frame may seem brief, I have garnered several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting an extensive array of housing choices and multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of options available. Both student residences and private living arrangements offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential residences online, examine amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I planned to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. The transportation network in London, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates straightforward navigation and transit between zones. To keep travel expenses low, as inter-zonal fares can hit £5.25 daily, I preferred to walk short distances rather than take buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these routes fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London’s leading attractions drive up living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to find in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural essence, weaving a rich array of diverse areas. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their home cultures. Southall, located in West London, features a prominent South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned at the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter featuring numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.