Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. Although this duration may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired some valuable observations. London is a dynamic metropolis, celebrated not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its vibrant communities. Students have a multitude of choices readily available. Both university housing and privately rented accommodations present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective living spaces online, including amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for living arrangements, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an impressive transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zone journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare frameworks of each train operator. Central London is home to numerous attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared accommodations, substantially reducing our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend less commonly found in private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time during errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be overwhelming. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse districts. Many international students yearn for the familiarity of their native countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian populace with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, retail stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and depth of the city’s accommodation possibilities, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.