Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem lengthy, I have absorbed a great deal of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a wide array of housing choices and lively communities. Students have a multitude of options right at their fingertips. Both university housing and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment showings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore future living arrangements online, review amenities, and locate public transport links.
While I sought a living arrangement, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zone travel. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can incur costs up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and of similar ages, which would have been more difficult through private rentals.
Living in close proximity to grocery stores was imperative for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are essential to its cultural identity, providing a rich tapestry of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a connection to their homeland within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown in the West End offers countless Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.