Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gleaned several observations. London is a dynamic city, not just for its varied housing selections but also for its communities. Students have an abundance of options available. Both university accommodations and private rentals present features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, inclusive of amenities and access to public transport.
Throughout my search for a residence, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as moving between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fare costs for inter-zone transport on these services vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The city’s main attractions significantly influence high living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which greatly diminished rent. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings, anticipating the opportunity to meet aspirants from a variety of backgrounds and similar age categories, a combination harder to stumble upon in private housing.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood presents its own difficulties. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural identity, contributing a rich variety of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students look for familiar aspects of their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian dining, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When pursuing a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.