By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this duration might not appear extensive, I have accumulated some experiences throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned for its varied housing options as well as its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of selections available to them. Both student residences and private rentals provide an array of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview their prospective accommodations online, showcasing available amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I sought to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the heart of it all. London features a top-notch transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones effortless. I intended to minimize travel expenses as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Major attractions in Central London play a role in driving up living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly alleviated our rent burden. I favored intercollegiate student dormitories, anticipating the chance to meet peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which might have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian demographic with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, relish the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.