Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may appear brief, I have accumulated valuable experiences throughout this period. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a multitude of housing choices and thriving communities. Students are presented with a plethora of options. Both student residences and private rental properties feature offerings such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living arrangements online, including available amenities and access to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key tourist spots, social gathering areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transportation network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it simple to traverse and move between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as commuting between zones can amount to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances instead of utilizing the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground system, spreading to zones beyond central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these modes vary according to the distance and pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to many significant attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Thankfully, I attended the university with a friend, and we made the choice to share a room, which led to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age range, a combination that is more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Being in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Prominent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more cost-effective options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on tasks, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex choice. The ethnic communities of London are fundamental to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse districts. Numerous international students seek comfort in their home country’s culture while in London. Southall, in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, found in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centered neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London rely on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the variety and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.