Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may appear brief, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives during this duration. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a wide range of housing choices and lively neighborhoods. Students enjoy many alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and shared housing. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible accommodations online, along with their amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay near major landmarks, social gathering spots, and the campus of Imperial. The metropolis is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have contributed to making university trips more economical. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living expenses in Central London are attributed to its prominent attractions. Fortunately, I was attending university alongside a friend, allowing us to share a room and significantly reduce our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would have been more challenging to encounter in private accommodations.
Being located near grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural mosaic, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian community replete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic district filled with countless Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community areas.
The finest areas for living in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.