Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I celebrated nine months of living in London. Although nine months isn’t an extensive period, I’ve accumulated a significant amount of experience. London is a bustling metropolis, not merely because of its variety of living arrangements but also due to its rich mix of communities. Students have a plethora of options to choose from. Both student housing and private rentals provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students have the convenience of scheduling apartment viewings, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and gauge access to public transport.
During my search for housing, I set out to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s outstanding transportation infrastructure, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates movement and travel across zones. Personally, I wanted to keep travel expenses low since inter-zonal transportation can cost up to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, covering areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London boasts major attractions, contributing to high living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly cutting down on rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds and the same age group, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Frequent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps streamline errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities comprise an essential aspect of its cultural fabric, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek out the comfort of familiar surroundings. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant locale filled with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. To locate a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its living options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.