Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated reaching the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration might not appear lengthy, I have acquired several perspectives along the way. London is a dynamic city, not just in terms of its variety of living arrangements but also for its energetic communities. Students have a plethora of choices at their disposal. Both student accommodation and privately rented homes offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore their prospective lodgings online, detailing amenities and access to public transportation.
In my quest for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and movement between zones. Personally, I aimed to reduce travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk a few short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services span regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London hosts major attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled at university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which significantly cut down on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, a blend that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in presents a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, offering a rich tapestry of varied neighborhoods. Many international students in London search for a sense of familiarity with their home nation. Southall, in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, at the core of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city has to offer.