Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve completed nine months of residing in London. Although this period is brief, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, not just because of its varied living arrangements but also due to its vibrant communities. Students have numerous options right at their fingertips, from student lodgings to private rentals, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential accommodations online, examine facilities, and discover transport links.
In my quest for housing, I set out to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation throughout the city. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zone travel might amount to £5.25 daily. Thus, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure applied by each train company. The high living costs in Central London are primarily driven by its major attractions. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent expense. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s harder to discover in private rentals.
Living near supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time during errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite challenging. London’s ethnic communities are a crucial part of its cultural essence, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, has a sizable South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery establishments, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, features numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural experiences. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. To secure a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its living options, investigate cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.