Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this timeframe might be brief, I’ve picked up a few observations. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a broad spectrum of housing options and lively communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them, from student residences to private rentals, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in virtually exploring prospective lodgings, amenities, and transit connections.
In my quest for living arrangements, I sought to lease a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. To save on travel expenses, as inter-zone fares can soar to £5.25 each day, I chose to walk short distances rather than utilize buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London, with fares differing based on distance and the fare structures of train companies. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which greatly lowered rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a scenario less probable in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents challenges. The city’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, offering a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These examples highlight just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new abode in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing options, discover cultural hotspots, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.