Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration may appear brief, I’ve acquired various insights throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a broad range of housing options and eclectic communities. Students have a multitude of selections at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals offer choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while international students can leverage platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential rentals online, examine amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I set out to locate a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, entertainment districts, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superb transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. Personally, I aimed to diminish travel expenses, as inter-zonal commuting can reach up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made getting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time running errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a daunting task. The ethnic communities of the city are vital to its cultural essence, showcasing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, houses a sizeable South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and necessities. When searching for a new residence in London, relish the city’s varied housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this incredible city.