Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of living in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve gathered various experiences. London is a vibrant metropolis, known not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students are presented with a plethora of choices. Both managed student residences and private housing offer configurations like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or single rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, including available amenities and access to public transportation.
During my search for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near prominent sites, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six interconnected zones, with zones one and two being the most central areas. London features an exceptional transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making travel and navigation between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones could cost up to £5.25 a day. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services operate beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The demand for major attractions in Central London results in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we decided to share accommodation, effectively lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate housing to meet peers from different backgrounds who were in my age group, a mix that is more elusive in privately rented properties.
Having grocery stores close by was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, is a time-saver for chores, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s diverse ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their homeland while in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. At the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling district filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community districts.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation selections, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.