Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this timeframe might appear brief, I’ve acquired several perspectives throughout this period. London is an energetic city, celebrated not only for its wide-ranging housing alternatives but also for its rich multicultural environment. Students are presented with numerous options. Both student residences and private housing offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, review the amenities available, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I focused on securing a room in Central London to stay close to significant landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six layered zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to reduce travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare policy. The central area’s major attractions contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, going to university with a friend permitted us to share a room, which greatly lessened rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, something that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was important to me. The common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form a vital part of its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant mix of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their homelands while in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the midst of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few representations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, discover cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.