Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem extensive, I’ve gathered some perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its wide range of housing options but also by its multicultural communities. Students have ample choices right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals include options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and consider proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an impressive transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to zones outside of central London. Ticket prices for these services vary based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high living costs near Central London’s key attractions are notable. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, significantly cutting rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Choosing an area to live in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for comfort from their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. In the vibrant heart of London’s West End, Chinatown serves as a bustling enclave filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples highlight just a few of the community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend significantly on personal interests and requirements. To find a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.