Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration may not seem long, I have gathered various observations. London is an energetic metropolis, providing a plethora of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students can choose from an abundance of options. Both student residences and privately rented accommodations feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to investigate future living arrangements, showcasing facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In seeking a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London, close to major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two at the center. London has a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to move around and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can escalate to £5.25 a day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside the central hub. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of different train operators. The major sights in central London contribute to high living costs. Luckily, I started university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and ages, a feat that would have been more difficult with private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting choice. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for familiarity akin to their home countries within London. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton, located in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with various Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.