Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I concluded nine months residing in London. Although this time frame might seem brief, I have acquired various observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its wide range of housing selections but also by its multifaceted communities. Students are presented with an abundance of options. Both university-managed residences and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and shared homes. Domestic students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, highlighting features and access to public transportation.
During my hunt for accommodation, I sought to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key sites, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates smooth movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel costs as inter-zonal commuting can tallies up to £5.25 each day. Therefore, I decided to walk short distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. However, using oyster card options has made traveling to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network to areas beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel vary according to distance and each train operator’s fare structure. The high living costs near Central London’s major attractions can be daunting. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly reduced our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations as they foster connections with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is trickier to find in private rentals.
The importance of being close to grocery stores cannot be overstated. Common supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op dominate, but there are more affordable choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets, including supermarkets and pharmacies, is a time-saver during errands, particularly in exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be complicated. The ethnic communities contribute fundamentally to the city’s cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall, positioned in West London, has a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music landscape. Meanwhile, Chinatown, in the heart of the West End, serves as a bustling enclave full of numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These instances merely scratch the surface of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. While pursuing a new home in London, embrace its diversity and variety of housing options, explore cultural hubs, and relish the accessibility and vibrancy of this incredible city.