Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may appear brief, I have gained a wealth of knowledge during this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its extensive housing options but also by its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student residences and private lodgings offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can swiftly organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine potential living spaces online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my pursuit of accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London for proximity to major sites, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two at its core. London’s public transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, provides efficient navigation and transit between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal commuting can reach up to £5.25 per day, opting instead to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more cost-effective. Moreover, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground coverage, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The living costs in Central London are elevated due to its prominent attractions. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a blend harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a tough choice. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, providing a range of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country while in London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing retailers. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When embarking on the journey to find a new home in London, relish the diversity and richness of its housing possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.