Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I have now completed nine months of residing in London. Although it may not appear significant, I have acquired a substantial amount of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a vast array of housing choices and energetic communities. Students have countless options at their fingertips, ranging from student accommodations to private rentals, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore future lodgings online, assess amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
During my quest for a living space, my goal was to find a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for seamless navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily, thus I chose to walk short distances over using buses or the tube. Oyster card options have made university trips more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground’s reach, servicing areas outside central London. Fare prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the tariff structure of each train operator. The living expenses near Central London’s main attractions are elevated. Thankfully, I was university roommates with a friend, enabling us to split costs and save significantly on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of a similar age, a blend more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a wide range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a taste of their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent upon individual preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new living space in London, embrace the rich diversity of accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.