Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I achieved the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months might not appear extensive, I’ve acquired various insights throughout this duration. London is a vibrant city, notable not just for its array of housing choices but also for its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a multitude of options. Both student residences and private housing offer selections like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate the proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I intended to rent a room in Central London for easy access to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to get around and travel between zones. I aimed to reduce travel costs, as crossing zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more economical. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground system, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lessened our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s tougher to find in private rentals.
Living near supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant collection of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek comfort from their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is teeming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London are influenced by personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place to call home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation possibilities, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city offers.