Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I celebrated nine months of my stay in London. Although nine months might seem brief, I have gained a wealth of experience during this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, known not only for its varied housing choices but also for its lively communities. Students have a multitude of options at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals present a range of possibilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently book viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential homes online, encompassing the facilities available and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to find a room in Central London to stay close to main attractions, social spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is divided into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize my travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Instead of taking a bus or tube, I opted to walk shorter distances. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside of the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. Central London features major attractions, which contributes to high living costs. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we resolved to share a room, leading to considerable rent savings. I favored living in intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is often challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was vital. Common supermarkets in the area include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time when running errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a complex choice. The ethnic communities in London are essential to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich spectrum of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a connection to their homeland. Southall, located in West London, boasts a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples highlight some of the community-focused neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to live in London depend on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, explore the various cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.