Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I have reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gathered valuable perspectives during this time. London is an energetic city, not solely for its varied living arrangements but also for its multicultural populace. Students have a myriad of options available. Both university housing and private rentals provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, evaluate available amenities, and determine their distance to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to be near key landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, promoting effortless navigation and travel between zones. I intended to curtail travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, options with an oyster card have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, accessing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The living costs around Central London’s main attractions are elevated. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend at university enabled us to significantly lower our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which might have been more difficult in private properties.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to grocery and pharmacy essentials saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Choosing a neighborhood to reside in poses a challenge. London’s diverse ethnic communities are essential to its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comforting familiarity of their homeland in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London depend on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, dive into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.