Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated the completion of nine months in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gathered various experiences along the way. London is an energetic metropolis, not only due to its range of housing options but also its multicultural population. Students enjoy a plethora of choices available immediately around them. Both student accommodations and private rentals present an array of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently set up viewings for apartments, while portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, including the provided amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London, allowing easy access to key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. London features a superb transport network, consisting of the tube, buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement throughout the zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenditures, as inter-zonal transportation can reach as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services change depending on distance and the fare policy of each train operator. Central London houses significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination more challenging to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
<pSelecting a neighborhood is a difficult choice. The ethnic communities within London are an integral part of its cultural diversity, providing a rich array of different neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of a familiar cultural environment. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional garments. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music environment. In the center of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and necessities. When searching for a new place in London, appreciate the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.