Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this duration might seem brief, it has been sufficient for me to pick up a few insights. London is a vibrant city, not just because of its varied housing options but also due to its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing arrangements online, verify amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I targeted a room in Central London to remain close to major attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two serving as the most central. London features an outstanding transportation framework, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplify navigation and transit between zones. Personally, I sought to reduce travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 every day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on the distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. The major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending the university with a companion allowed us to share a room, significantly lowering rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s more challenging 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 options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities are a key aspect of its cultural diversity, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek solace in the familiarity of their home cultures while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London vary depending on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new place to call home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, explore the cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city offers.