Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this duration might seem brief, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, distinguished by its myriad accommodation options and eclectic communities. Students are presented with a wide range of choices. Both student housing and private residences offer features such as ensuite bathrooms and suite options, shared living spaces, individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently book apartment viewings, while tools like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective accommodations online, including their facilities and location relative to public transportation.
In my quest for a residence, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s impressive transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes traversing between zones easy. Personally, I aimed to lower travel costs since moving between zones could incur fees of up to £5.25 daily. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have significantly lowered costs for commuting to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground, extending into zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, leading to a considerable decrease in rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is often less accessible in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic enclaves are crucial to its cultural richness, offering a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their home cultures. Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter brimming with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The most favorable places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and needs. When searching for a new place in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of its accommodation alternatives, discover cultural neighborhoods, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.