Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated the completion of nine months in London. While nine months may seem brief, I have acquired some valuable insights during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its extensive range of housing options but also its multicultural environments. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both university accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing options online, review the facilities provided, and evaluate their distance to public transport.
In my hunt for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superb transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between the zones. I wanted to keep my travel costs low since traveling between zones can incur expenses of up to £5.25 per day. Therefore, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use public transport. However, the options provided by oyster cards have made my commute to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones that are not central. The fares for travel between zones on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London is home to major attractions, contributing to high living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, as I hoped to meet students of various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is often more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies minimizes the time spent on errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students search for a sense of familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.