Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it may not be a long time, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing selections and varied communities. Students have a wide array of options available to them, including student residences and private lodgings with features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse prospective accommodations online, verify available amenities, and evaluate the distance to public transport.
During my quest for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, vibrant locales, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb public transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to cut down on commuting expenses, as inter-zonal travel could cost up to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk short distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system into outer zones, with fares varying according to distance and train operator pricing structures. The expense of living in Central London is heightened by its attractions. Luckily, attending university with a companion enabled us to share a room, which considerably lowered the rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
It was essential for me to live close to grocery stores. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its difficulties. The ethnic communities in London are fundamental to its cultural landscape, creating a vibrant patchwork of different neighborhoods. Numerous international students yearn for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a dynamic area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London vary based on personal interests and necessities. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.