Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this timeframe may seem brief, it has offered me valuable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its communities. Students have an abundance of options available right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule viewings for apartments, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential lodgings online, review amenities, and discover links to public transport.
During my search for housing, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an impressive transport infrastructure, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel across different zones. I aimed to cut travel expenses since inter-zonal commutes can amount to as much as £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zones. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of the respective train operators. Central London hosts significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend with whom I chose to share a room, greatly reducing our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was crucial for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s various ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a wide range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, showcases an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on one’s personal interests and requirements. When embarking on the quest for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of living options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vitality that this extraordinary city has to offer.