Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy duration, I’ve acquired valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing alternatives and a mix of communities. Students have numerous selections at their fingertips, such as student residences and private housing featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine possible lodgings online, along with their amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most pivotal. London has an outstanding transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I wanted to keep travel expenses down, as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily, so I decided to walk short distances rather than use buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London are tied to its major attractions. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend permitted us to share a room, greatly reducing our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix less common in private housing.
Living close to grocery outlets was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options 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 to reside in is not an easy task. London’s diverse ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural variety, presenting a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a sense of familiarity through their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London vary based on individual preferences and requirements. When seeking a new place to stay in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.