Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching the nine-month mark of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by its communities. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student residences and private housing provide a range of alternatives including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transport options.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key 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 boasts a superb transportation network, inclusive of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. As a result, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fees for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare policy of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varying backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more difficult through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural tapestry, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity from their homeland within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and stores selling traditional garments. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence, take advantage of London’s varied housing options, delve into cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.