Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I have managed to gather a few observations. London boasts a bustling atmosphere with a wide variety of housing options and lively communities. Students can select from numerous alternatives, such as student residences and private lodgings, featuring amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, rooms for sharing or privacy, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings for apartments, whereas international students have platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom at their disposal to explore potential living arrangements online, allowing them to assess amenities and transport links.
In my quest to find accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain in proximity to significant landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport network, encompassing the underground, buses, and trains, enables seamless travel across zones. To minimize transportation expenses, as inter-zone fares can accumulate to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. Nonetheless, the oyster card options have made university travel more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London, with ticket prices varying according to distance and train operator pricing structures. The high cost of living in Central London’s primary attractions can be daunting. Fortunately, I shared a room with a friend, which considerably lowered the rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination less commonly found in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are widely available, along with more budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London poses challenges. The city’s ethnic communities play a pivotal role in its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look to find ties to their homelands within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent only a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. While seeking a new abode, take advantage of London’s vast housing selections, delve into cultural hotspots, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.