Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this period isn’t particularly lengthy, I’ve gathered a few observations along the way. London is an energetic metropolis, distinguished not only by its varied lodging choices but also by its rich tapestry of communities. Students find themselves with an array of options. Both student accommodations and private housing present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, individual rooms, studio flats, and shared living spaces. Local students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living arrangements online, review available features, and gauge their distance from public transit.
During my search for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London, keeping me close to key sights, social areas, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London offers a top-notch public transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making inter-zone travel simple. Personally, I aimed to limit travel expenses since traversing zones could cost up to £5.25 each day. Therefore, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering locales outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and pricing structures established by each train operator. The prominent attractions in central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which considerably decreased our rental expenses. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and comparable age ranges, a combination that is often less common in private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents a formidable challenge. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, delivering a vivid array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home cultures. 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 dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the downtown West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These illustrate just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on your search for a new residence in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and wealth of accommodation options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.