Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of my stay in London. Although this period is not particularly lengthy, I have gained a wealth of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, providing an extensive array of housing options and a variety of communities. Students have an abundance of selections available, including student accommodations and private rentals featuring facilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, whereas international students may utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transit.
During my hunt for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to maintain proximity to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts a superb transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and inter-zone travel effortless. To cut down on travel expenses, as traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, extending to areas outside central London. Fares for travel between these zones differ based on distance and the pricing framework of each train service. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, going to university with a friend allowed us to share a room, greatly diminishing rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Living in close proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London poses a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities play a pivotal role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of diverse areas. Numerous international students seek connections to their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locales to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the wealth of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.