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 is not an extensive period, I have gathered some perspectives during this time. London is an energetic city, not only for its wide array of housing possibilities but also for its multicultural communities. Students are presented with a plethora of options. Both student accommodations and private housing provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential accommodations online, including facilities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an exceptional transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and commute between zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can accumulate to £5.25 per day for inter-zonal journeys, I opted to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside the central zones. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structures of each train operator. Central London hosts major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I enrolled at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly diminished our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that would be more challenging to find in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their native country. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and abundance of its accommodation choices, explore cultural quarters, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.