Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may appear brief, I have gleaned several insights during this period. London pulsates with life, offering not only a variety of housing options but also lively communities. Students enjoy a plethora of choices. Both student accommodations and private housing present selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared versus private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students find it easy to arrange viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for potential housing options online, including details on amenities and access to public transport.
While seeking my ideal living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates smooth navigating and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal commuting can amount to £5.25 per day. Instead of relying on buses or the tube, I chose to walk short distances. However, options for oyster cards have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these routes differ according to distance and the pricing model of each train provider. Central London houses major attractions, which leads to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we decided to co-rent a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and age groups, a mix more difficult to find in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies alleviates time spent on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich blend of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students pursue a sense of familiarity with their home nations while in London. Southall, located in West London, harbors a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a small sampling of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of its accommodation options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.