Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may appear brief, I have gained a considerable amount of experience. London is a vibrant metropolis that presents a multitude of housing choices and varied communities. Students find themselves with plentiful options readily available, such as student residences and private lodgings, featuring amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently organize flat viewings, while international students may utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential rentals online, assess amenities, and discover local public transport facilities.
In my quest for accommodation, I desired a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric rings, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport infrastructure, spanning the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can reach up to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I opted to walk short distances instead of relying on a bus or tube. Oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of the respective train companies. The cost of living in Central London’s prime locations is elevated due to its major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, allowing us to share a room and significantly lessen our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, something challenging to achieve in private rentals.
Being near grocery shops was crucial for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps streamline errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities form an essential part of its cultural landscape, showcasing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of vibrant community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent upon your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, take advantage of the city’s diverse and rich accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.