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 be extensive, I’ve gathered some experiences along the way. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its assorted housing alternatives but also by its multifaceted communities. Students benefit from a wealth of options. Both student residences and private lodgings present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom support international students in exploring potential housing options online, assessing available amenities, and evaluating vicinity to public transport.
In my quest for a living arrangement, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major sites, social centers, 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 public transportation system, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to limit travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have considerably lowered travel costs for university commutes. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs associated with Central London’s prominent attractions are notable. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly decreasing our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural composition, offering a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of their home cultures in London. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locality full of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new place in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.