Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired a few perspectives throughout this time. London pulses with energy, renowned not only for its variety of living arrangements but also for its eclectic communities. Students have a myriad of options available to them. Both student residences and private rental properties feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently coordinate apartment viewings, whereas international students can browse potential housing online via platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to evaluate facilities and proximity to public transport.
During my housing hunt, I aimed to find a room in Central London to remain close to key sights, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric areas, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes travel between zones easy and efficient. To cut down on travel expenses, as cross-zone trips can accumulate to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside the central zone. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate depending on the distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. Central London is populated with major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, going to university alongside a friend allowed us to room together, significantly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and age brackets, a combination more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to inhabit can be complicated. London’s multicultural communities form a crucial part of its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant mosaic of diverse localities. Numerous international students in London seek to associate with their homeland’s familiarity. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is an animated area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as merely a handful of examples of community-centric areas.
The optimal places to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, appreciate the diverse richness of its accommodation possibilities, explore cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.