Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration may appear brief, I have acquired some valuable perspectives throughout this period. London is a dynamic metropolis, renowned not just for its various living arrangements, but also for its multicultural population. Students find themselves with a plethora of options. Both student residences and private housing present alternatives such as ensuite and deluxe bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and shared homes. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to investigate potential lodgings online, including features and closeness to public transportation.
In my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London has a superb public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I intended to minimize travel expenses, as crossing between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground network, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London drive up living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly lowered our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age demographics, a combination that is harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic groups are fundamental to its cultural fabric, providing a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Numerous international students desire a connection with their home cultures while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.