Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I’ve hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it may not seem lengthy, I’ve acquired several perspectives during this time. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only due to its varied housing alternatives but also for its bustling communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide a range of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, communal and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international scholars to browse potential housing online, verify facilities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to major sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal commuting can be as high as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London houses prominent attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which significantly lessened our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, something that would have been more difficult through private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket options feature Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines time spent on errands, especially during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s cultural communities are vital to its societal dynamics, contributing a vibrant mosaic of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity from their home country within London. Southall, in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian populace, complete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Right in the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown serves as a bustling hub filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of diverse community neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for new accommodations in London, embrace the richness and variety of housing choices, delve into cultural pockets, and relish the accessibility and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.