Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Though nine months may seem brief, I have gathered some reflections throughout this period. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its plethora of lodging choices but also for its varied communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer various types of accommodations like ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview their upcoming homes online, showcasing the amenities available and proximity to public transport.
While seeking a living arrangement, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be near key sights, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making movement and travel between zones straightforward. I sought to minimize my travel expenses, as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, accessing areas outside the central zones. Fare costs for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with learners from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a blend that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during examination weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood to inhabit is daunting. London’s ethnic communities are core to its cultural makeup, providing a vibrant mix of diverse localities. A significant number of international students in London desire a sense of connection to their home countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music culture. In the heart of London’s West End lies Chinatown, a bustling locale filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These merely illustrate a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The finest areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of the accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.