Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, it has been nine months since I relocated to London. While it may seem short, I have gained valuable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, not only due to its varied living arrangements but also because of its communities. Students face an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing offer features such as ensuite and suite baths, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared accommodations. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential residences online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my search for a residence, I intended to rent a room in Central London for easy access to key landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a superb public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can accumulate to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting for university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to areas outside central London. Travel prices for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare policy. Central London hosts prominent landmarks, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we shared lodging, which led to substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age demographic, a combination more challenging to locate in private rentals.
Being close to grocery outlets was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies significantly reduces time spent on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities play a key role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich blend of diverse localities. Numerous international students seek echoes of their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian demographic featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional garment shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean populace and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent merely a few examples of community-driven neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon your preferences and necessities. To discover a home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.