Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may not seem extensive, this timeframe has provided me with a wealth of experiences. London is a dynamic metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing choices but also for its lively communities. Students have an array of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals present multiple alternatives, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, featuring details on amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought a room to rent in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and movement between various zones. I aimed to lower my travel expenses, knowing that inter-zonal travel could reach up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. However, options like the Oyster card have significantly reduced commuting costs for university travel. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve a broader area beyond the Underground network, reaching zones farther from central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare scale of each operating train company. While Central London is home to numerous attractions, it also leads to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly decreased our rent. I favored residing in intercollegiate student lodgings, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that can be challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was crucial for my living situation. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex decision. London’s ethnic communities form an essential aspect of its cultural identity, showcasing a vibrant assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for some resemblance to their homeland. Southall, located in West London, hosts a large South Asian population, expressing itself through Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and lively music culture. At the center of London’s West End, Chinatown is an energetic area populated with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods for living in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the variety and wealth of its housing selections, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.