Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone living in London. While it may seem brief, I have absorbed a significant amount of knowledge. London, a vibrant metropolis, presents an extensive range of housing choices and dynamic neighborhoods. Students have a plethora of options available, including student residences and private lodging, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange for apartment tours, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential housing options online, review available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
As I searched for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London for easy access to key sights, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it simple to travel and navigate between zones. To cut down on transportation expenses, which can soar to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. The options available with Oyster cards have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside the central area. Pricing for these services varies based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend permitted us to share a room, greatly lessening rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is often more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents its own difficulties. The city’s ethnic groups play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, creating a vibrant patchwork of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for aspects of familiarity from their home nations within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional fashion stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-driven neighborhoods.
The ideal residential areas in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new dwelling in London, appreciate the variety and depth of its housing selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.