Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though my time here hasn’t been extensive, I have gathered some experiences along the way. London is an energetic city, not solely due to its broad range of housing choices but also its lively communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide various choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore their future homes online, check available amenities, and locate the nearest public transport connections.
During my hunt for a residence, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and inter-zone travel. I aimed to minimize my commuting costs since travelling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policy of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and of similar ages, a mix that is harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities play a significant role in its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of home in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, found in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples represent just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, relish the diversity and variety of accommodation options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and indulge in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.