Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months may seem brief, I have gained a wealth of experience during this period. London thrums with life, not just for its varied housing choices but also for its vibrant communities. Students have an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals provide a multitude of selections, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, check available amenities, and locate the nearest public transport options.
In my hunt for a place to reside, I sought a room for rent in Central London, aiming to remain close to key attractions, 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 an outstanding transportation network, featuring the tube, buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I opted to walk for short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for the university much more affordable. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending to zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary by distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share accommodation, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, a blend that would be more difficult to achieve in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Familiar supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Most international students in London look for the comfort of their home culture within this city. Southall, situated in West London, hosts a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave with many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-driven neighborhoods.
The finest areas to live in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace its diversity and the wealth of accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.