Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of living in London. Although it may not appear extensive, I have accumulated some valuable perspectives throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting an extensive range of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students possess a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students have the convenience of arranging apartment viewings easily, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing options online, including amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my hunt for a living space, my target was to lease a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London possesses an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas beyond central London. The fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare systems of each train operator. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a companion allowed us to share a room, greatly diminishing our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student residences to connect with peers from various cultures and similar age groups, a blend that is trickier to discover in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines daily errands, particularly during exam time.
Selecting a neighborhood in London poses its challenges. The city’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural scene, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections reflecting their home cultures in London. Southall, situated in West London, houses a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant district filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to live in London rely on personal interests and preferences. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing options, investigate cultural sections, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.