Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though it may not seem like a long time, I have gathered several perspectives. London is a vibrant city, celebrated not only for its wide-ranging housing options but also for its multicultural population. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Home students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, check facilities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
In my accommodation hunt, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is partitioned into six zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones quite manageable. I sought to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 per day, so I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on public transport. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the pricing model of each train company. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we teamed up to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and nearby ages, a blend that is often not available in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was significant for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s diverse ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for reflections of their home cultures in London. Southall, in West London, boasts a prominent South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, set in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are just a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new dwelling in London, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the ease and excitement this extraordinary city offers.