Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve gleaned some valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant city, notable for its extensive selection of living arrangements and its multicultural communities. Students are presented with numerous options. Both student accommodations and private housing provide a variety of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local students can efficiently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with the first and second being the most central. London features an exceptional transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplify navigation and movement between zones. To reduce travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can accrue charges of up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, options with the oyster card have made university travel more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system into outer zones. Pricing for these services varies by distance and the fare structure associated with each train provider. Central London hosts many major sites, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are available, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own set of challenges. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural richness, offering a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries in London. Southall in West London is known for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the central West End, is a bustling area packed with various Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are just a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, welcome the diversity and depth of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.