Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this time frame may seem brief, I’ve gathered various insights along the way. London is a vibrant city, not just because of its wide-ranging housing selections but also due to its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize apartment viewings, whereas international students may utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential places to stay online, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
During my quest for a residence, I targeted renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an impressive public transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which streamline the process of moving about and traveling across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can be as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, having an oyster card option has made commuting to university more economical. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, servicing areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure established by each train company. Major attractions in central London drive up living costs. Fortunately, my university journey with a friend allowed us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent prices. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers hailing from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination less common in private accommodations.
Living close to grocery stores ranked high on my priority list. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood proves to be a daunting task. The ethnic communities of London contribute significantly to its cultural richness, providing a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a taste of home in London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the West End is filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as just a few illustrations of neighborhood communities.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new abode in London, embrace the city’s vast accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.