Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is a dynamic city, renowned not only for its range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students benefit from an abundance of opportunities. Both student residences and private housing supply choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential places to stay online, review amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transport.
In my quest for a place to reside, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to be near significant landmarks, social gathering spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric areas, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and commuting between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made travelling to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving regions outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The renowned attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more difficult to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Choosing a neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant mix of diverse areas. Numerous international students strive to find a slice of their home culture in London. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a significant South Asian presence with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the centre of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of community-rich neighbourhoods.
The optimal places to live in London depend on personal preferences and necessities. While searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing selections, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.