Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it’s a brief period, the experiences have been invaluable. London pulsates with energy, not only due to its varied living arrangements but also because of its vibrant communities. Students have an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals provide a range of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, showcasing amenities and locations relative to public transportation.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric areas, with the first two zones representing the most central regions. London features a superb transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating between zones straightforward. Personally, I aimed to minimize commuting expenses, as inter-zone travel could amount to £5.25 each day. I preferred walking shorter distances rather than opting for bus or tube rides. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made travel to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside Central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services differ based on the distance and each train company’s pricing structures. Central London is home to significant attractions, which contributes to higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which led to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having easy access to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood poses its challenges. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of varied neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for a taste of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the West End of London, is a colorful hub filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are only a few instances of community-driven neighbourhoods.
The ideal places to live in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural havens, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.