Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked my nine-month milestone in London. Although it might not appear to be a lengthy duration, I’ve gathered some valuable perspectives during this time. London is an energetic city, not merely for its vast range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Student residences and private accommodations feature options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can swiftly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine potential housing online, showcasing the amenities provided and their closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for a place to reside, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones simple. I wanted to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services cover regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the central area of London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these networks fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train service. Central London boasts major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly reducing our rental expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private housing.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets encompass Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are crucial to its cultural essence, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students desire the comfort of their home culture in London. Southall, situated in West London, has a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These instances are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.