Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve completed nine months of living in London. While this may not seem like a lengthy duration, I’ve gathered some valuable experiences. London is an energetic city, not only due to its various housing options but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have numerous choices available. Both student residences and private living spaces offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, investigate amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
During my accommodation search, I intended to secure a room in Central London for easy access to prominent sites, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central regions. London boasts a superb transport infrastructure, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and transit between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 a day. I decided to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel via these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London’s key attractions contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend during university helped us significantly lower our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which is more challenging to find in private housing.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Familiar supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are key to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of different neighbourhoods. Many international students seek connections with their home cultures in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighbourhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.