Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s a brief period, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a variety of housing alternatives and lively neighborhoods. Students benefit from numerous options available, from student residences to private lodgings, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can access platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore future living arrangements online, evaluate amenities, and locate public transport links.
While on the hunt for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric areas, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and inter-zonal travel. To cut down on transport expenses, given that inter-zone travel can cost as much as £5.25 per day, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing broader regions outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The high living costs associated with Central London’s attractions are noteworthy. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university greatly helped diminish rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s harder to come by in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Picking a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, providing a plethora of diverse areas. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their homelands in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a sizable South Asian community along with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of communal neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, relish the diversity and depth of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.