Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked my nine-month milestone living in London. While this may not seem like a lengthy period, I have picked up several insights. London is a vibrant city, presenting a broad array of housing options and various communities. Students find themselves with countless choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, alongside details regarding facilities and access to public transportation.
In my quest for a place to stay, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social areas, and Imperials’ campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, inclusive of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing for effortless movement and travel among zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since moving between zones could reach up to £5.25 a day. Opting for short walks instead of taking a bus or tube was my strategy. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made trips to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside of central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure set by individual train operators. Central London is home to key attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which resulted in substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is rarer in privately owned properties.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with lower-priced options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic diversity in London is a significant aspect of its cultural identity, showcasing a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a sense of familiarity from their homeland in London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown at the core of London’s West End presents an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural experiences. These represent only a small sample of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal living areas in London vary according to individual preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, take delight in the diversity and wealth of housing choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.