Composed by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I reached the milestone of nine months living in London. While nine months may seem brief, I’ve acquired a significant amount of knowledge during this time. London is an energetic city, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its dynamic communities. Students have a wealth of choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, along with available amenities and access to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and inter-zone travel. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground’s reach, covering regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of individual train operators. Central London is home to major attractions, leading to higher living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, significantly reducing our rental costs. I favored residing in intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and the same age group, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time during errands, especially in exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in presents a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, offering a rich mixture of varied neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek out the comfort of their home country within this city. Southall, located in West London, hosts a large South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant district filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to reside in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, cherish the diversity and richness of its accommodation selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.