Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month mark of residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy duration, I have gathered some valuable experiences. London is an energetic metropolis, not only because of its wide range of living arrangements but also its multicultural populace. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both university housing and private rentals offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared accommodations. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective rentals online, examine available amenities, and consider accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a home, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six overlapping zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a fantastic transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and transfer between zones. To keep travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, manageable, I chose to walk for shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, encompassing regions outside the central area. Fares for these services differ based on distance and each train operator’s pricing framework. The high cost of living in Central London is driven by the abundance of popular attractions. Luckily, having a friend at university allowed us to co-rent a room, which greatly diminished our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination less likely to occur in private residences.
It was important for me to live close to grocery stores. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps minimize time spent on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own difficulties. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural fabric, presenting a plethora of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for a connection with their home cultures while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of the West End, is a bustling area lined with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When in the process of looking for a new residence in London, take advantage of the city’s extensive accommodation alternatives, delve into its cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city has to offer.