Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of living in London. Although this may not appear as a long duration, I’ve gathered some observations throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a multitude of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both university residences and private rentals offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while those from abroad can utilize sites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to search for potential lodgings online, including the amenities available and their distance from public transport.
During my quest for a living space, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding public transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse and commute between zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on public transport. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university trips more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare schedules of each train operator. Residing in Central London is expensive due to its attractions. Thankfully, going to university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which greatly lowered our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varying backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves a considerable amount of time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are essential to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their home cultures in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional garment shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End boasts numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The best areas to reside in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and depth of its accommodation selections, explore cultural neighborhoods, and appreciate the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.