Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this duration may be brief, I have gained several observations. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a broad spectrum of living arrangements and varied communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, whereas resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, check features, and evaluate closeness to public transit.
During my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a superb transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare regulations of each train operator. The high cost of living in central London is driven by its prominent attractions. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, greatly decreasing our rental costs. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural tapestry, offering a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a slice of home in London. Southall, located in West London, has a substantial South Asian population, featuring a plethora of Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When pursuing a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing opportunities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.