Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration may appear brief, I’ve garnered some valuable experiences throughout this time. London is a bustling metropolis, celebrated not only for its variety of housing choices but also for the eclectic communities that inhabit it. Students are presented with numerous options. Both student residences and private lodgings provide an array of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to peruse potential housing online, assess amenities, and discover nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for a residence, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates effortless navigation and inter-zone travel. Personally, I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since travelling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university journeys more cost-effective. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network into outer London zones. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London, home to major landmarks, tends to have elevated living costs. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly cut down our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that would have been more challenging to find in private housing.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complicated choice. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse localities. Numerous international students in London seek the reassurance of their home culture. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These merely represent a handful of community districts.
The optimal neighborhoods to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.