Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this is not an extended period, I’ve acquired some knowledge. London is a dynamic city, not merely for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of options right outside their doors. Both student residences and private rentals feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, complete with details on amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to reside, I targeted renting a room in Central London to remain near main attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates movement around and between zones. I wanted to keep travel expenses down as inter-zonal transit can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and the fare system of each train company. The high living costs around Central London’s main attractions are notable. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room and save considerably on rental expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to fundamental stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver for errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood for residence is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their home country. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with several Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The finest locations to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.