Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though it might not appear long, I’ve gathered various insights during this period. London is an energetic city, presenting a broad range of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have several avenues available to them, including student residences and private accommodations featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential accommodations online, evaluate available amenities, and determine closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a dwelling, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to be close to major landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes traversing and traveling across zones straightforward. Personally, I wanted to lower my travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can accumulate to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high living costs in central London are influenced by its major attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent burden. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and comparable age groups, a blend that’s tougher to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with less expensive alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies cuts down on errand time, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural diversity, weaving a rich fabric of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home nations in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population featuring Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of vibrant community neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new place in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its accommodation alternatives, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.