Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve celebrated nine months of residing in London. While nine months may not seem lengthy, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant city, not only for its array of housing alternatives but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have a wealth of choices available. Both student residences and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
While searching for a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which allow easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can soar up to £5.25 daily. To achieve this, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas that go beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. The fares for traveling between zones on these services depend on distance and the pricing structures of individual train operators. Major attractions in central London contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time during errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses difficulties. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek out the familiarity of their home cultures. Southall in West London is known for its substantial South Asian community and features Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown in the bustling West End of London is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.