Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though it may appear brief, I’ve acquired considerable knowledge during this period. London is a bustling metropolis, providing a vast array of housing selections and multicultural neighborhoods. Students have a plethora of options available, including student residences and private rentals with features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore prospective accommodations online, assess amenities, and identify nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for a place to reside, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. To minimize journey expenses, as inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground network, encompassing regions beyond central London. Costs for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and the fare structure of each railway company. The high living expenses in central London are attributed to its prominent attractions. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, allowing us to significantly lower our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, something that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse areas. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries while in London. Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian populace, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of its housing possibilities, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.