Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. While this may not seem like a lengthy duration, I’ve gathered some understandings throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not just for its variety of living arrangements but also for its communities. Students are presented with numerous options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, along with the amenities available and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to be near key landmarks, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel and navigation between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones could reach up to £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on a bus or tube, I opted to walk shorter distances. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London features significant attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I had the company of a friend at university, and we made the decision to share a room, which allowed us to save considerably on rent. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings to interact with students from various backgrounds and the same age demographic, a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a difficult task. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for the comfort of their home culture in London. Southall, situated in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively quarter brimming with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London are contingent on your personal interests and necessities. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.