Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired considerable knowledge. London is an energetic city, marked not only by its variety of living arrangements but also by its dynamic communities. Students have numerous options available nearby. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can swiftly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, evaluate amenities, and determine distances to public transportation.
While searching for my residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s superb transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across the zones. I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as inter-zonal trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, options for Oyster cards have rendered university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services encompass regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on the distance and the fare policy of individual train companies. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly cutting down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from various backgrounds and ages, a mix that is often tougher to find in the private rental sector.
Living near grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps streamline errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s diverse communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries in London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population with many Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent only a small sampling of the community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, discover cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.