Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a long duration, I’ve acquired some valuable observations. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its variety of housing choices but also for its lively communities. Students find themselves with a wealth of options readily available. Both student accommodations and private rentals present diverse selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to preview possible housing options online, including the amenities provided and closeness to public transport.
During my quest for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay close to significant attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel among zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone fares can amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, the oyster card options have rendered university travels more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central part of the city. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare policies of each train provider. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly decreasing the rent. I preferred collegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a blend more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood proves to be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London constitute a vital part of its cultural composition, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London long for the comforts of their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a prominent South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The prime areas for residing in London rely on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.