Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked the completion of nine months living in London. Though it might appear brief, I’ve acquired several revelations throughout this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only due to its range of housing options but also because of its eclectic communities. Students have numerous alternatives at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore their upcoming lodgings online, showcasing amenities and nearness to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, I targeted renting a room in Central London to remain close to main attractions, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is divided into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the focal points. London boasts an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones seamless. To cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can escalate to £5.25 per day, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, covering regions outside of Central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and each train service’s pricing structure. Central London attracts numerous major landmarks, leading to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, substantially decreasing our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is more challenging to find in private dwellings.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on daily errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is no simple task. The city’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their native countries while in London. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a large South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and needs. As you search for a new place in London, embrace the city’s diverse housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.