Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently marked my nine-month milestone in London, I have gathered some observations during my stay. The city is bustling with life, presenting an array of housing alternatives and dynamic neighborhoods. Students are presented with a multitude of options. Both student residences and private lodgings offer choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can seamlessly organize apartment viewings, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring prospective living spaces online, along with details on amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near major tourist spots, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensures convenient movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can escalate to £5.25 daily. Consequently, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside central London. Inter-zone travel fares on these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing policy of each train operator. Central London, being the locus of numerous attractions, results in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which significantly lessened our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam sessions.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural richness, boasting a vibrant range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their native cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian population, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, in the center of London’s West End, is a vibrant hub brimming with an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These serve as just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to inhabit in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, relish the diversity and abundance of the housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and appreciate the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.