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 timeframe may seem brief, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives along the way. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its assortment of living arrangements but also for its wide-ranging communities. Students are presented with a plethora of options. Student residences and private housing offer features such as ensuite and suite restrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom provide international students the ability to check out potential accommodations online, including amenities and accessibility to public transport.
During my quest for suitable housing, I sought a room to rent in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can reach as high as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more cost-effective. Besides, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the fare policies of each train operating company. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which resulted in significant rental savings. I was inclined towards intercollegiate student accommodations, with the hope of connecting with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s more challenging to encounter in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood in London poses a challenge. The city’s cultural communities play a crucial role in its social fabric, providing a rich assortment of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Meanwhile, Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Centrally located in London’s West End, Chinatown serves as a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few instances of community neighbourhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and thrill of this extraordinary metropolis.