Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve accumulated a wealth of experience. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its varied living arrangements but also by its dynamic communities. Students are presented with numerous options. Both university housing and private residences provide a range of choices, including ensuite bathrooms, suite bathrooms, shared rooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Students living in the area can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, and international students can explore potential lodgings online through sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom, where they can assess amenities and their vicinity to public transport.
During my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is arranged into six concentric zones, with the first two being the core areas. London’s transport system is superb, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies commuting and traveling across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made navigating to the university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones further from central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services differ based on distance and the pricing policies of each train operating company. Central London boasts major attractions, leading to high living costs. Thankfully, I had a friend at university, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds in a similar age bracket, something that might have been more challenging in private accommodations.
It was essential for me to live near grocery stores. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shopping venues such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on tasks, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a challenging task. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of home. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area packed with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These serve as just a few instances of community hubs.
The ideal districts to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the openness and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.