Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not be an extended period, I’ve accumulated some perspectives during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its extensive range of housing options but also by its varied communities. Students encounter a wealth of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals present a selection of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective accommodations online, showcasing available amenities and nearness to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s superb transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, streamlines movement and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have alleviated commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, linking to regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London significantly elevate living expenses. Thankfully, I pursued university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, drastically lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand runs, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London poses a challenge. The city’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural identity, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the sense of familiarity from their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community with Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of area communities.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.