Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this period is brief, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just because of its wide range of housing alternatives but also due to its multicultural neighborhoods. Students are presented with an array of options. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective rentals online, check facilities, and gauge closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I focused on securing a room in Central London to stay close to prominent sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport infrastructure, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies movement and travel across zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 daily. I decided to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commuting more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the underground network, serving regions outside central London. Inter-zone travel fares fluctuate based on distance and the pricing model of each train operator. The high living expenses in central London are due to its significant attractions. Fortunately, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is tougher to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during the exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural tapestry, presenting diverse locales. Numerous international students wish to find connections to their home cultures within London. Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the West End is renowned for its multitude of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a sampling of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new abode in London, appreciate the variety and depth of its housing alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.