Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While nine months may not seem extensive, I have gathered some insights throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also its communities. Students encounter a plethora of choices. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule viewings of apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, including featured amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a living arrangement, I sought to rent a room in Central London, close to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London boasts a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones could cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than opt for a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made trips to the university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending to zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these networks vary according to distance and the fare structure of each railway company. The high living costs in Central London stem from its numerous major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, significantly reducing our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend harder to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, creating a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek out the familiarity of their native countries. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, presents a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These exemplify just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for residing in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. To uncover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.