Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not be an extended timeframe, I’ve garnered valuable reflections throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, celebrated not only for its range of housing choices but also for its eclectic mix of communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student residences and private living spaces offer choices like ensuite facilities and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential accommodations online, showcasing the amenities and closeness to public transport available.
In my quest for living arrangements, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near primary attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport infrastructure, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies travel across the zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could cost as much as £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on the distance and fare structures of each train company. The high costs of living in Central London due to its prominent attractions can be a deterrent. Luckily, I was able to attend university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that can be trickier to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Choosing the right neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, offering Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music scene. Chinatown in London’s West End stands out as a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples illustrate just a few of the community-rich neighborhoods.
The most desirable areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.