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 seem brief, I have absorbed a considerable amount of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized not only by its multitude of living arrangements but also its vibrant communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. From student residences to private housing, choices abound, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review available facilities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to reside, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an exceptional transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies getting around and traveling between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, options with the oyster card have made commuting for university more reasonable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground reach, connecting to zones farther from central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a companion, and we opted to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I was inclined towards intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and comparable ages, a combination that’s more challenging to encounter in privately rented properties.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near fundamental stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on tasks, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own set of challenges. The ethnic communities in London play an integral role in its cultural landscape, crafting a rich assortment of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a connection to their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian dining spots, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of the city’s housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this incredible city.