Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching nine months of my residence in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have gained several observations throughout my time here. London is an energetic metropolis, offering a rich variety of housing options as well as its multicultural communities. Students benefit from numerous choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals present a plethora of options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective housing online, review the facilities, and consider their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay near significant attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most centralized. London offers a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making movement and travel across zones straightforward. I wanted to keep travel expenses low, as traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 per day. I frequently opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering zones outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to the distance and pricing system of each train company. Central London hosts key attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I shared the university journey with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I preferred university-based student accommodations to connect with individuals from diverse cultures and similar age groups, a combination that is more difficult to come across in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Living near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on daily chores, especially during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic groups are a crucial aspect of its cultural identity, presenting a diverse assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek out the comfort of their homeland within London. Southall in West London is known for its significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few of the community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal locations for living in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this incredible city offers.