Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this isn’t a long duration, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives. London is an active city, not just due to its wide range of housing options but also because of its varied communities. Students can choose from an array of alternatives. Both student residences and private lodgings provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared rooms and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily arrange to view apartments, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse possible lodgings online, alongside their features and nearness to public transport.
For my housing search, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has an outstanding transport system, including the tube, buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, greatly decreasing our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate accommodations, looking to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, which is a mix that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby helps save time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. A lot of international students seek a sense of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, found in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this incredible city.