Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a broad array of living arrangements and lively communities. Students have various options available to them, such as student residences and private lodgings featuring amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, examine available facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
During my hunt for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key sites, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. London boasts an exceptional transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones quite straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips may cost as much as £5.25 daily, choosing to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, covering zones outside the city center. Fares for inter-zone travel on these transport services differ based on distance and the pricing policies of each train operator. The key attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend permitted us to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to find in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time for daily tasks, particularly during examination seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be difficult. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of diverse areas. Many international students seek to find familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.