Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not be an extensive period, I have gathered some perspectives along the way. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting numerous housing options and a variety of communities. Students find themselves with a multitude of alternatives. Both student residences and private lodgings offer diverse choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule visits to apartments, while international students may utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential homes online, review available amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay near prominent attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six overlapping zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb public transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which help in easy navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I preferred minimizing travel expenses, as moving between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. Therefore, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach out beyond the Underground network, covering zones located outside the city center. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a companion, and we decided to co-rent a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to meet a diverse range of students from different backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is more difficult to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores, including supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to call home is daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, creating a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their native countries. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian population with an array of Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the bustling heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with various Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The best locales to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, embrace the city’s accommodation diversity and richness, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.