Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of my stay in London. While not a long duration, I’ve accumulated some valuable observations. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a vast selection of housing options and a mix of communities. Students can choose from an array of accommodations, which include student residences, private housing, ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can hunt for future living arrangements online through sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom, assessing facilities and transport connections.
In my quest for a place, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city consists of six zones, with the first two being the most central. London has a fantastic transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and rail services, making it easy to navigate and move between zones. To save on travel expenses, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or the tube. Options for Oyster cards have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside the city center. The fares for these services differ based on distance and fare schemes of train operators. While Central London is pricey, sharing a room with a friend has significantly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with individuals from various backgrounds, which is often harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities enhance its cultural tapestry, yielding diverse localities. Many international students look for familiarity within the city. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and fashion boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the West End is a bustling locale filled with Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural experiences. These are merely a few illustrations of community-driven neighborhoods.
The best area to reside in London hinges on personal preferences and requirements. While looking for a residence in London, embrace the vastness and richness of its accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.