Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve acquired several insights throughout this time. London is a vibrant city, notable not only for its extensive range of housing options but also for its multifaceted communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Both university accommodations and private housing provide various options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review available amenities, and evaluate the closeness to public transportation.
During my quest for living arrangements, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the core. London features an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university much more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground system, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. The costs of living in Central London are relatively high due to its major attractions. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, significantly lowering our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, which is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London search for the familiarity of their native country. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community, offering Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music environment. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to live in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.