Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this is not an extensive timeframe, I’ve acquired various insights throughout my time here. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing choices and lively communities. Students have a multitude of options available, from student residences to private lodgings, including ensuite units and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to scout out future accommodations online, examine available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transit.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is categorized into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones easy. I aimed to curtail travel expenses as inter-zonal transit can accumulate costs of up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk for shorter distances instead of utilizing buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more cost-effective. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in high living expenses. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, considerably lowering rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination harder to find in privately owned properties.
Living near supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural makeup, providing a rich array of varied neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, boutiques, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-rich areas.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London will vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the variety of its accommodation options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.