Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gathered some perspectives during this time. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a multitude of housing options and dynamic communities. Students enjoy a plethora of alternatives at their fingertips. Both student residences and private living arrangements offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to examine prospective housing options online, review available facilities, and gauge closeness to public transit.
In my quest for living accommodations, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key sights, social gathering spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, enabling smooth navigation and travel between zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 per day for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground scope, catering to regions outside central London. Fares for these services vary, depending on distance and the pricing policies of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room and greatly lower our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with individuals from varied backgrounds and akin age groups, a combination harder to encounter in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical options. Accessibility to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students pursue familiarity with their native lands in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery markets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas for residing in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence, appreciate the diversity and depth of London’s housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.