Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it may not seem extensive, I’ve accumulated some observations during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its varied housing alternatives but also for its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have an abundance of options available. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide a range of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to search for potential living spaces online, along with details about amenities and access to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an exceptional transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigation and travel between zones effortless. I wished to keep travel expenses low, as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground, covering areas outside the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel using these services differ according to distance and each train operator’s fare structure. The major attractions of Central London play a significant role in elevating living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent expenditure. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is often trickier to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are an integral aspect of its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students often search for the comfort of their homeland in London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian populace, dotted with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.