Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though it’s not a lengthy duration, I have gathered some valuable observations. London is an energetic metropolis, distinguished not just by its varied housing choices but also by its lively communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private living spaces offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential accommodations online, review available features, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traveling across zones straightforward. I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services depend on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, drastically lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Regular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural richness, presenting a captivating array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These merely represent a handful of community neighborhoods.
The finest places to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. In searching for 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.