Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London, I have gathered some perspectives along the way. London is a dynamic metropolis that presents an array of housing choices and vibrant communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them, from student residences to private accommodations, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, both shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover future housing online, evaluate amenities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London for access to major landmarks, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel between zones. To cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can climb up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commutes to university more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for these services change according to distance and the fare structure of the respective train companies. The high living costs associated with central London’s key attractions are noteworthy. Fortunately, having a friend attending the same university enabled us to share a room, considerably lowering our rent costs. I found intercollegiate student accommodations preferable for interacting with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is less common in private residences.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, complemented by budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be tricky. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural diversity, contributing a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, found in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples represent just a fraction of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London largely depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.