Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s a brief duration, I’ve gained several understandings. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just for its variety of living arrangements but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have a wealth of options available. Both university housing and private rentals feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly organize viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
During my quest for accommodation, I targeted a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is divided into six concentric rings, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to move around and travel between different zones. I was keen on minimizing travel costs since moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have contributed to making university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond just the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London showcases major attractions, which results in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, allowing us to make significant savings on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to engage with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; there are also cost-effective alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The closeness to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is not easy. The various ethnic groups in London form an essential part of its cultural identity, presenting a rich assortment of diverse areas. Numerous international students in London look for connections with their home cultures. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area with various Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London depend on personal tastes and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.