Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not be a lengthy duration, I’ve accumulated various observations during this period. London is an energetic metropolis, providing a broad range of housing alternatives and lively communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom support international students in exploring potential lodgings online, evaluating facilities, and considering distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London for proximity to key landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the core areas. London features a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card offerings have made university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground framework, reaching areas outside central London. Rates for these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high cost of living in central London is influenced by its attractions. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, considerably lowering our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that’s tougher to find in private rentals.
Being close to supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies expedites errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural richness, presenting a diverse mix of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a connection to their native cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian community featuring Indian dining spots, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.