Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering

Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may not seem lengthy, I have gained some valuable perspectives during this period. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a wide range of housing choices and lively communities. Students have a plethora of options available, including student accommodations and private living spaces featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing options online, including their features and closeness to public transport.

In my search for housing, I aimed for a room rental in Central London to stay near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. London’s transport system, which encompasses the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and moving between zones seamless. To cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can be as high as £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones that are outside of central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare structure established by each train operator. Major attractions in central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a companion, and we made the decision to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging with private rentals.

Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.

Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural mosaic, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.

The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing options, discover the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrance of this unique city.

admin Uncategorized