Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I achieved the milestone of nine months residing in London. Though this may not seem like a long time, I’ve gained several perspectives throughout my experience. London is a vibrant metropolis, not solely due to its variety of housing options but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have a wide array of choices available. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living arrangements online, review available facilities, and gauge distance to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an excellent transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and transport between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal commutes can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made getting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. The high living costs in central London are influenced by its major attractions. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on daily errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is not easy. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural diversity, creating a rich mosaic of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is known for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residence in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.