Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not appear extensive, I have acquired some perspectives throughout this period. London is a vibrant city, presenting a broad range of housing options and varied communities. Students have a multitude of selections readily available, including student housing and private lodgings featuring choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living arrangements online, review available facilities, and evaluate distance to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I sought to lease a room in Central London to remain close to principal attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies movement and travel between zones. I aimed to lessen travel expenditure, as inter-zonal fares can escalate to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, covering regions outside central London. Fares for these routes fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I entered university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that’s harder to discover in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a district in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, showcasing diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, positioned in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locales to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When embarking on the search for a new residence in London, take advantage of the city’s varied housing selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.