Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Just recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem lengthy, I’ve gained some insights. London is an energetic city, presenting a wide variety of living arrangements and communities. Students have numerous alternatives, such as student residences and private housing that include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to examine prospective accommodations online, assess facilities, and find public transport links.
While I was hunting for a residence, I sought a room to rent in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a fantastic transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted for walking short distances instead of using a bus or tube. The Oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground system, extending into outer zones. Prices for inter-zone travel differ based on distance and the fare system of each train company. Central London features popular attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to significant rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Living close to grocery shops was crucial for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural essence, providing diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for comfort of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, placed in the center of London’s West End, features Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation choices, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.