Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not seem like a lengthy period, I have gained significant insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its wide range of housing alternatives but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have numerous options readily available. Both student housing and privately rented accommodations provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students in exploring potential living arrangements online, checking facilities, and evaluating their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London, ensuring I was near significant attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is categorized into six concentric areas, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a remarkable transportation network that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as commuting between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these connections vary depending on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. The cost of living in Central London’s prime areas is high due to its major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to encounter in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was a priority for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.