Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of living in London. Although it may seem brief, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, known for its wide-ranging housing alternatives and lively communities. Students have an abundance of options readily available. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide a variety of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I intended to lease a room in Central London to maintain proximity to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city features six layered zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London excels in its transportation network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare framework of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend while attending university helped us significantly cut down on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is harder to find in private rentals.
Residing near grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing an array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their home culture while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a vibrant hub brimming with Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London are subjective and vary based on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place to call home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.