Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve gained significant insights. London is a bustling metropolis that presents a variety of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have a multitude of selections right at their fingertips, ranging from student residences to private housing, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solitary rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students may utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential homes online, review amenities, and evaluate the proximity to public transportation.
As I sought a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and rail services, making it straightforward to traverse the city and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily, so I opted to stroll short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have rendered university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail routes extend beyond the Underground system, connecting to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel fluctuate based on distance and individual train companies’ pricing structures. The living costs in central London are elevated due to its major attractions, but sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age groups, which is more challenging to encounter in private accommodations.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retailers, including supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, offering a rich spectrum of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and energetic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is an animated district with a plethora of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation selections, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the ease and thrill of this extraordinary city.