Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not seem like a lengthy duration, I’ve gleaned various insights during my stay. London is a vibrant city, not only for its vast selection of housing possibilities but also for its varied communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while services such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review available features, and evaluate the distance to public transport.
In my pursuit of a living space, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features a fantastic transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing easy movement and travel across zones. To cut down on travel costs, which can soar up to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than opt for buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, venturing beyond central London. Ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the pricing policy of each train operator. Iconic attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Accessibility to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic groups are crucial to its cultural richness, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a connection to their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown in the West End boasts numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal neighborhoods to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new place to call home in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of options available, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.