Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London, I’ve accumulated various observations. This bustling city offers more than just a range of housing options; it thrives on its vibrant communities. Students have an abundance of choices readily available. Both student residences and private accommodations present possibilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential living arrangements online, assess amenities, and discover links to public transportation.
In my quest for a living arrangement, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two at its core. London boasts an exceptional public transport infrastructure, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and inter-zone travel. To lessen my commuting expenses, as traveling between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily, I opted to walk short distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. However, options with oyster cards have made university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to significant attractions, contributing to high living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, resulting in considerable savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would be more challenging through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with less expensive options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. London’s multi-ethnic communities represent a significant aspect of its cultural identity, producing diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students find a sense of familiarity with their home culture within London. Southall, located in West London, features a sizable South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the West End serves as a vibrant enclave filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples illustrate just a portion of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal living areas in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, embrace the wealth of diversity in accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.