Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this time frame isn’t extensive, I’ve gathered a few observations throughout this journey. London is an energetic metropolis, not only for its various housing selections but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of options available. Both student housing and private lodgings offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom provide international students the ability to explore potential housing options online, alongside their features and access to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes navigating and traveling between zones simple. To cut down on travel expenses, which can soar to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal travel, I chose to walk short distances rather than use the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university transit more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail routes extend beyond the Underground’s reach, serving areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare framework of each train operator. Major attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly mitigated rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination more challenging to encounter in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart 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 community-centric neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing alternatives, discover cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.