Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this timeframe isn’t extensive, I’ve accumulated some observations. London is an energetic city, presenting a plethora of housing options and lively neighborhoods. Students have countless alternatives available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly organize viewings for apartments, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to survey potential lodgings online, check amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
As I searched for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social spots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London showcases an exceptional transport infrastructure, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplify navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to cut travel expenses since inter-zone travel can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have helped make trips to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, extending to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on the distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly decreasing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities of London are essential to its cultural richness, presenting a vivid array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections with their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal neighborhoods for living in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.