Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not seem like a long time, I have acquired some perspectives along the way. London is a bustling metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer an array of options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to view prospective housing online, assess available amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for lodging, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel costs since inter-zonal fares can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made travels to the university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending to zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each rail company. The prominence of Central London’s major attractions drives up living expenses. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, dramatically lowering our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is tougher to locate in private properties.
Being near supermarkets was vital for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a tough decision. The city’s ethnic communities are a crucial part of its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a touch of their home country in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a spirited area with an abundance of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation selections, explore cultural precincts, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.