Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently celebrated nine months of residing in London, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives over this interval, despite it not being a long span. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing options and lively communities. Students can choose from various alternatives, including student residences and private rentals that feature ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently organize apartment visits, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential rentals online, complete with information on amenities and accessibility to public transport.
While I searched for living arrangements, my goal was to rent a room in Central London for closer access to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to move around and travel between zones. To minimize travel expenses, which can amount to as much as £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, options like the oyster card have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system into areas outside central London, with ticket prices differing based on distance and the pricing scheme of each train operator. Living in Central London is pricey due to its major attractions; however, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which greatly lowered our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to engage with peers from a variety of backgrounds and comparable age ranges, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was a priority for me. Common supermarket chains consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver for errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s diverse ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural richness, creating a vibrant mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students search for connections to their home countries in London. Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian community, including Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional garment stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, revel in the diversity and wealth of its accommodation selections, investigate cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.