Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this duration isn’t long, I have gained some perspectives. London is a vibrant city, not just because of its variety of housing options but also its diverse communities. Students have a wealth of possibilities available. Both student residences and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential rentals online, review amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for a place to live, I aimed to secure a room in Central London, close to significant 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 transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows easy movement and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London significantly influence living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared accommodations, leading to substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is tougher to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, offering a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for echoes of their home nations in London. Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the midst of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The finest areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.