Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem extensive, I have gained some valuable perspectives. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a broad spectrum of housing arrangements and varied communities. Students have an abundance of selections at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature several options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential homes online, investigate amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transit.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which allows for seamless navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk for short distances rather than utilize buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside Central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major sights in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly decreasing rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and the same age group, a combination more difficult to find in private rentals.
Living close to supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek a connection to their homeland in London. Southall, in West London, hosts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with various Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation offerings, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.