Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, I’ve acquired some perspectives. London pulses with energy, distinguished by its wide array of living arrangements and its vibrant communities. Students are presented with numerous alternatives. Both student housing and private lodgings feature options such as 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 help international students find potential housing online, evaluating amenities and determining closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed for a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, nightlife, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensures smooth mobility across zones. I wanted to minimize my travel expenses considering that inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances over taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel considerably more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching into areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on the distance traveled and each railway company’s fare structure. The prime attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, greatly lowering our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student residences to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, which would be more challenging in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic groups are fundamental to its cultural essence, providing a vibrant array of different neighborhoods. Many international students seek connections to their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few representations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city has to offer.