Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it may appear brief, I’ve gained several perspectives during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its variety of housing alternatives but also for its eclectic communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide various setups such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse possible living arrangements online, including offered amenities and their closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card benefits have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground grid, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare system of each train operator. The living costs in central London reflect the city’s major attractions. Luckily, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly cut down our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds and of similar age, a blend often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near fundamental stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood to reside in is daunting. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a semblance of their home country in this metropolis. Southall, located in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery establishments, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a spirited district filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent on your personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the richness and diversity of its housing choices, delve into the cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.