Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Just recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem like a lengthy period, I have gained a wealth of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, famed for its varied housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have numerous options available, ranging from student residences to private lodgings, which feature ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while overseas students can explore platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to check potential living spaces online, review available facilities, and find nearby public transportation links.
In my hunt for a residence, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, lively areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I intended to lower travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily, thus I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these options differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. While the costs of living in Central London’s primary attractions are elevated, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room and substantially cut down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which might have been more difficult through private rentals.
It was essential for me to live close to grocery stores. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural diversity, providing a vibrant mix of neighborhoods. Many international students look for elements similar to their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in Central London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and necessities. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the variety and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and dynamism of this extraordinary city.