Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated the completion of nine months residing in London. Although this is a brief period, I’ve gathered some valuable experiences throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just with its wide range of housing options but also with its eclectic communities. Students have a myriad of choices available to them. Both university-managed housing and private apartments offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly organize viewings for apartments, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore available housing online, showcasing offered amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodations, my goal was to find a room in Central London for easy access to prominent landmarks, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to travel and navigate between zones. Personally, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low since traversing between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances over utilizing bus or tube services. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university journeys more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground system, extending to zones outside of central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on the distance traveled and the fare policies of each train operator. The high cost of living in Central London is driven by its major attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share accommodation, which significantly cut our rent expenses. I opted for intercollegiate housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and a similar age group, a blend that’s tough to find in private residences.
Being in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland available. Being close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves considerable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting choice. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural diversity, showcasing a rich mix of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for the comfort of their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These exemplify only a handful of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to live in London depend on personal preferences and necessities. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.