Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it might not appear to be an extended period, I’ve accumulated various insights throughout this time. London is a dynamic city, presenting a plethora of housing choices and lively communities. Students have numerous options available, extending from student residences to private housing, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared homes. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to investigate potential accommodations online, assessing amenities and distance from public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London offers an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enabling seamless navigation and travel among zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can escalate to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The significant tourist attractions in Central London lead to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly diminishing rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with learners from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend harder to find in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural diversity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity in this metropolis. Southall, located in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian community with Indian dining options, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to live in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing selections, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.