Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months in London. While that may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired several insights. London is an energetic metropolis, marked not just by its varied living arrangements but also by its vibrant communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both shared student housing and private accommodations include features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore future housing online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my search for accommodation, I focused on finding a room in Central London to stay close to key sights, social gathering spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and rail, facilitating movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone travel can reach up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into outlying zones. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing system of each train company. Central London harbors significant attractions, which leads to higher living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which resulted in considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds of a similar age, a blend harder to find in private rentals.
Residing close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own challenges. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural landscape, creating various neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a touch of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is known for its substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These exemplify just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods in London to reside in depend on individual preferences and requirements. When searching for a new place in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of living options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.