Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration isn’t particularly long, I’ve accumulated some observations. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized not only by its wide array of housing choices but also by its multicultural neighborhoods. Students are presented with a vast range of options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private accommodations feature amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential lodgings online, along with their facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In my pursuit of accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to major sights, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London has an exceptional transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to travel and navigate across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, considering that inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London houses significant attractions, which drives up living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, thereby considerably reducing rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, which is harder to find in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students search for a sense of connection to their home country within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling hub with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. While on the lookout for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.