Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this might not seem extensive, I’ve acquired various perspectives. London is a dynamic metropolis, renowned not just for its varied housing options but also for its lively neighborhoods. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student residences and private rentals provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living arrangements online, review facilities, and gauge nearness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I targeted a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, where zones one and two are the most prime. London features an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making travel and navigation between zones simple. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, connecting to areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare system. The major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I had a friend at university, and we opted to share a room, resulting in substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more difficult to find in private properties.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, complemented by budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time for errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a sense of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End boasts various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a selection of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing offerings, delve into cultural hubs, and savor the convenience and thrill this extraordinary city has to offer.