Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I’ve marked nine months of residing in London. Even though it isn’t an extensive period, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized not just by its varied housing selections but also by its vibrant communities. Students have a wealth of options available. Both student residences and private lodgings boast choices such as ensuite and suite restrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, complete with amenities offered and their distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London for proximity to key landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superior transit system featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying movement and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to cut travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have lowered commuting expenses for university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. The expense of living in central London is heightened by its numerous major attractions. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, resulting in notable rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, eager to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Lodging near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The diverse ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting various neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland while in the city. Southall in West London has a prominent South Asian presence, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music heritage. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a lively area abundant with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new dwelling in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of the housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this incredible city.