Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though this period isn’t extensive, I’ve gathered some valuable experiences. London is a dynamic city, not only because of its varied living arrangements but also due to its energetic communities. Students have a wealth of choices right at their fingertips. Various options for student housing and private residences include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore their future living spaces online, detailing the amenities available and their distance from public transport.
As I searched for a residence, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay near prominent attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the closest to the center. London boasts a superb transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and movement across zones. I sought to lower travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend coverage beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London is packed with major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and comparable age groups, a mix that can be harder to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Living close to necessary shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, significantly streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are integral to its cultural diversity, creating a rich mosaic of assorted neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their homeland within London. Southall, located in West London, has a substantial South Asian community, showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a few examples of community-centered neighborhoods.
The most suitable neighborhoods for living in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When seeking new housing in London, embrace the multiculturalism and abundance of accommodation choices, explore the cultural districts, and enjoy the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.