Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Though this timeframe isn’t extensive, I’ve garnered quite a bit of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized not only by its diverse housing choices but also by its multifaceted communities. Students have a wide array of options available to them. Student accommodations as well as private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Students living at home can effortlessly arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective accommodations online, examine facilities, and locate nearby public transport options.
While looking for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s superb transportation infrastructure, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to navigate and travel between the zones. To manage travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more economical. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and fare structures set by each train company. The considerable living expenses in Central London are attributable to its main attractions. Thankfully, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, greatly decreasing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more difficult through private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic populations are an integral component of its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for the comfort of their home countries. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to live in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When pursuing a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.