Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though this period is relatively brief, I’ve gathered some knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just for its array of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of alternatives available. Both student residences and private accommodations include features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore potential housing options online, check amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for living arrangements, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enabling effortless movement and travel between zones. I wished to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground, accessing zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare structures of each train company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to meet peers from different backgrounds and similar age, a combination that’s harder to find in private accommodations.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home cultures while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian presence with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton boasts a prominent Afro-Caribbean community alongside a dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. While in search of a new home in London, embrace the richness and variety of its accommodation options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.