Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it might not appear extensive, I’ve accrued some valuable experiences during this period. London’s a dynamic metropolis, renowned not just for its array of housing choices but for its lively neighborhoods. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals feature a variety of selections, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, inspect amenities, and evaluate accessibility to public transit.
In my pursuit of a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transportation infrastructure is superb, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenditures since moving between zones can accumulate costs up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to campus more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare scheme. The substantial costs of living in Central London can be attributed to its prominent attractions. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university considerably alleviated rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages—a combination that is harder to discover in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood within London is a daunting task. The city’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for echoes of their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, found in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
Choosing the most suitable areas to reside in London relies on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its accommodation options, wander through cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.