Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve gained a lot of insights. London is an energetic metropolis, known not only for its varied lodging possibilities but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student residences and private living arrangements provide an array of options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, examine amenities, and gauge closeness to public transportation.
During my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can accrue costs up to £5.25 per day. Thus, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside the central region. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high living expenses around Central London’s attractions can be daunting. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, significantly reducing our rent costs. I was inclined toward intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds and a similar age group, which is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Major supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, especially during exams.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s diverse communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, providing a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Conversely, Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent merely a handful of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend upon personal interests and requirements. In your search for a home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its living options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.