Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained substantial insights. London pulses with energy, reflecting its varied housing possibilities and vibrant communities. Students find an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both student and private accommodations provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studios, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore upcoming living arrangements online, including details about amenities and accessibility to public transportation.
During my quest for a place to call home, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to significant attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transportation system is superb, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across zones. I aimed to minimize commuting expenses since traveling between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, Oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university trips. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. The prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to numerous key attractions which results in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a feat that would have been more challenging through private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood proves to be a tricky task. The ethnic communities of London are integral to its cultural identity, providing a wide range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek out the familiarity of their home culture within London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is home to a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London hinge on your individual preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the plethora and depth of its housing choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.