Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I’ve gathered some perspectives in this time. London is a dynamic city, providing a plethora of housing choices and lively communities. Students have a wide array of options available, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, which include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to investigate prospective lodgings, facilities, and local public transport connections online.
In my effort to secure a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to main attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transportation network, featuring the underground, buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel among the zones. I preferred walking shorter distances to economize on travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can be costly. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, servicing regions outside of central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room to reduce our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, which would have been more difficult with private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Determining a neighborhood is a challenging choice. The ethnic communities in London are an essential element of its cultural fabric, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples illustrate just a few of the community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.