Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not be an extended period, I’ve accumulated some knowledge throughout this time. London is a bustling metropolis, not just for its varied living arrangements but also for its lively communities. Students have numerous options available. Both university housing and private residences provide a range of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential accommodations online, examine amenities, and locate nearby public transport links.
In my quest for living arrangements, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an impressive public transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I was keen on minimizing travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. To cut costs, I chose to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, serving regions outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The living costs in Central London are elevated due to its major attractions. Luckily, attending university with a fellow student allowed us to share a room and significantly reduce our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from a mix of backgrounds and similar ages, something more challenging to achieve with private housing.
For me, residing near grocery stores was essential. Major supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood to live in can be difficult. The ethnic communities of London play a crucial part in its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant tapestry of varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their home culture in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, at the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation varieties, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.