Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although this duration might seem brief, I have gained some valuable perspectives in this timeframe. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its array of housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students find themselves surrounded by numerous choices. Both student residences and private rentals present a variety of alternatives including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solitary rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore prospective accommodations online, review available amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transit.
In my quest for a place to stay, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to reduce travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can be as high as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground’s reach, connecting areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services vary based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which drastically lowered our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies reduces the time spent on errands, especially during exams.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a tough decision. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural diversity, creating a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Centrally located in London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling locale filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locales for living in London depend on one’s personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill of this remarkable city.