Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive duration, it has been sufficient to gain insights. London is an energetic city, not merely for its diverse housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of choices available. Both student accommodation and private housing offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, including the facilities available and the distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to main attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an excellent transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which allows for effortless navigation between zones. Personally, I desired to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys could amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London are attributed to its popular attractions. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly decreasing rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to encounter peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse communities are crucial to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Chinatown in the bustling West End is a lively area filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are but a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.