Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not appear to be a long time, I have gathered some valuable experiences throughout this period. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned for its varied living arrangements as well as its dynamic communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide a range of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review facilities, and evaluate accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for lodging, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be close to significant attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is split into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I looked to minimize travel expenses, since inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the pricing system of each train company. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing, anticipating to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more challenging to encounter in private rentals.
Living close to supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities within London form a vital part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their native cultures. Southall in West London has a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown located in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to live in London vary according to personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, appreciate the variety and depth of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.