Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it may not be an extensive duration, I’ve acquired significant insights. London vibrates with life, not merely due to its varied housing selections but also because of its communities. Students are presented with numerous options right at their fingertips. Student accommodations and private housing feature alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students have the convenience of scheduling apartment viewings effortlessly, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, showcasing amenities and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I targeted a room in Central London to remain near major sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segregated into six zones, with the first two being the most hub-like. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and railways, simplifies movement between these zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones could cost up to £5.25 each day, so I opted to walk short distances rather than relying on bus or tube rides. Various Oyster card choices have made trips to university more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services broaden the reach beyond the Underground system, servicing regions beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the ticketing structure of each train operator. The high living costs around Central London stem from its significant attractions. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably cut down our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings, aiming to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that’s more difficult to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s multicultural communities are pivotal to its social fabric, providing an array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek comfort reminiscent of their homeland while in London. Southall, situated in West London, possesses a large South Asian demographic with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the bustling West End of London, is a dynamic locale filled with Chinese restaurants, retail, and cultural activities. These represent merely a fraction of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and revel in the ease and thrill of this extraordinary city.