Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it might appear brief, I’ve acquired several insights over this duration. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a myriad of housing alternatives and varied communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them, which include student residences and private housing featuring choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings for apartments, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse possible accommodations online, review available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
During my quest for a place to stay, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain in proximity to major landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones representing the most central areas. London’s transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for simple movement and travel across zones. To cut down on transportation expenses, as inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 per day, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare system of each train operator. Central London hosts significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, greatly minimizing rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, a mix that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside cost-effective options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, offering a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek comfort in resemblance to their home nations while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.