Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
In a recent milestone, I’ve completed nine months of residing in London. Although it may not appear extensive, I’ve acquired a few valuable observations throughout this period. London is an energetic metropolis, celebrated not solely for its varied lodging alternatives but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of selections available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide a variety of arrangements including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange viewings of apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective lodgings online, including amenities and transport links.
During my quest for a living space, I pursued a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, entertainment venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the core. London’s transit network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement within the city and across different zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones could cost up to £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on buses or the tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Ticket prices for these services vary according to distance and individual train company fare structures. The cost of living in Central London is elevated due to its significant attractions. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, substantially lowering our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite daunting. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, presenting a rich tapestry of diverse districts. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their native countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area enriched with a plethora of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely some examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to live in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.