Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago marked my nine months of residing in London. While nine months may not seem extensive, I have absorbed quite a lot. London is a dynamic metropolis, offering not just diverse living arrangements but also thriving communities. Students have numerous choices right at their doorsteps. Both student accommodations and private housing provide a variety of options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential homes online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transport links.
In my hunt for a living space, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traversing zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances instead of relying on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground, extending to zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London features major attractions, which drives up living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly reducing rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend harder to find in private establishments.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home country. Southall, in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London rely on your preferences and necessities. While searching for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.