Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem extensive, my experiences have been incredibly enriching. London is an energetic metropolis, not just because of its vast array of living arrangements, but due to its multicultural neighborhoods. Students have numerous options available right at their front door. Both student residences and private housing provide a variety of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future lodgings online, assess the facilities, and discover the closest public transport links.
During my hunt for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured in six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. Consequently, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is host to significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a companion, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are available. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses a challenge. London’s diverse ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, creating a vibrant mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their home culture. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is noted for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place to call home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation options, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.