Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I’ve completed nine months of residing in London. Though this may not seem like a lengthy period, I’ve absorbed a lot throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just in terms of its varied housing choices but also for the communities that inhabit it. Students have a myriad of options available at their fingertips. Both student residences and private living arrangements present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future accommodations online, assess the provided amenities, and observe the nearest public transport connections.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed at renting a room in Central London to stay close to prominent attractions, social spaces, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel among zones. I aspired to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can be as expensive as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services span areas beyond the Underground network, reaching out to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London hosts major attractions, resulting in heightened living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, wishing to connect with students from various backgrounds and of similar age, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby helps save time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is no easy task. London’s ethnic groups are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their home country within this city. Southall in West London houses a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, represents a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, stores, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and depth of the city’s housing options, discover the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.