Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though it may seem brief, I have gathered several insights in this period. London is an energetic city, not only due to its varied housing possibilities but also because of its dynamic communities. Students have a wealth of options at their fingertips. Both student accommodation and private housing offer a range of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, communal and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange for apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to check out potential homes online, along with the amenities available and distance to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I intended to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the innermost being zones one and two. London features an outstanding transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it effortless to move around and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel costs since inter-zonal travel could amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare framework of each train provider. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we resolved to share a room, which substantially reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been harder through private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood to reside in is a challenging choice. The ethnic communities of London are integral to its cultural fabric, providing a rich collection of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London crave the comforts of home. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of the city’s housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.