Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by its lively communities. Students are presented with numerous alternatives right at their doorstep. Choices span from student accommodations to private rentals, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, evaluate amenities, and determine proximity to public transport.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near significant landmarks, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city organizes itself into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London hosts an exceptional transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which eases movement and travel throughout the zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, servicing regions outside central London. Inter-zone travel fares on these services differ based on distance and the pricing model of each train operator. Living in Central London comes with elevated living costs due to its popular attractions. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while studying helped us significantly lower our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, eagerly anticipating meeting peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that tends to be less prevalent in private rentals.
It was essential for me to live near grocery stores. Typical supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver for errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be formidable. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a sense of familiarity from their home nations while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian dining, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London has a reputation for its Afro-Caribbean community and its dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These serve as merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to live in London ultimately hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace its diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, explore cultural hotspots, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.