Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration isn’t extensive, I’ve collected several observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, distinguished not only by its variety of lodging options but also its communities. Students have a wide array of choices available to them. Both university housing and private rentals provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom let international students examine possible accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to lease a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London features a commendable transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which make inter-zone travel straightforward. Personally, I aimed to cut down on transportation expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university less costly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network to areas outside Central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I joined university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more challenging in private properties.
Living close to grocery stores was significant for me. Regular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse areas. Numerous international students crave the comfort of their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, houses a large South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, showcases a multitude of Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural activities. These examples illustrate just a fraction of the community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residing in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its accommodation selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this exceptional city offers.