Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this might not be a lengthy duration, I have gathered several observations throughout this time. London is an energetic metropolis, notable not just for its wide range of living arrangements but also for its dynamic communities. Students have numerous options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals present an array of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential living spaces online, review available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my pursuit of housing, I aimed to find a room in Central London to remain near prominent landmarks, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the heart of it all. London features a superb transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing easy movement and travel between zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have considerably cut down travel costs for university journeys. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching zones outside of central London. Pricing for these services varies according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London hosts significant attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which afforded us substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that can be harder to find in private rentals.
Living in close proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be complex. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich blend of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home culture in London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-driven neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. To secure a new residence in London, embrace the variety and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the ease and thrill of this extraordinary city.