Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though this may not be a lengthy duration, I have acquired some valuable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its plethora of housing options but also for its multifaceted communities. Students enjoy a wide array of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, showcasing the amenities provided and their accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, my objective was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant attractions, social centres, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transportation system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card choices have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services encompass regions beyond the Underground network, extending to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to key attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I was attending university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is more challenging to encounter in private residences.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for the comfort of their home nation. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant quarter featuring countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on individual interests and requirements. When searching for a new abode in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary metropolis.