Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this period is relatively short, I have absorbed quite a lot. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and home shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective places to live online, review facilities, and gauge proximity to public transportation.
In my search for accommodation, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain near significant landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, comprised of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates ease of travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares could reach as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside of central London. Fares for these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing systems of each train operator. Central London features major tourist attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which substantially lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic neighborhoods are essential to its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse communities. Many international students look for familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a thriving area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.