Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it might not sound like a lengthy duration, I have absorbed a considerable amount of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, notable not only for its various housing alternatives but also for its multifaceted communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, whereas resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom provide international students the ability to assess potential rentals online, alongside details about the available facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a place, I targeted a room rental in Central London to stay close to significant landmarks, social environments, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. London boasts an exceptional transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating seamless movement across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal transport can cost up to £5.25 on a daily basis. I opted to cover short distances on foot rather than relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend coverage to regions outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London, hosting major landmarks, tends to have elevated living costs. Thankfully, I was at university with a friend, and we resolved to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is more difficult to find in private houses.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to fundamental shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own set of challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a key role in its cultural landscape, contributing to a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of home-country familiarity within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a selection of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new dwelling in London, appreciate the diversity and variety of housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.