Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy timeframe, I’ve acquired several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, not solely for its multitude of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a wide array of choices. Accommodations such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares can be found in both student housing and private rentals. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring potential accommodations online, reviewing amenities, and gauging the distance to public transport.
During my search for an apartment, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be close to main attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensures straightforward navigation and inter-zone travel. To minimize travel expenses, which can rise to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside the central city. Inter-zone travel fares on these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific fare policies of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, leading to a substantial decrease in rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek to find elements of their home cultures in London. Southall, situated in West London, houses a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.