Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have acquired a few valuable perspectives. London is a dynamic metropolis, known not only for its wide range of living arrangements but also for its diverse communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange for apartment viewings, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible accommodations online, examine facilities, and evaluate distance to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, provides seamless mobility between zones. I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, thus opting to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, various oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground reach, covering areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zonal trips on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London’s key attractions contribute to higher living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share accommodation, which considerably lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age demographics, a blend that is more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital stores like grocery shops and pharmacies helps streamline errands, particularly during exam times.
Picking a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London are fundamental to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London prefer to find connections to their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The choice of ideal areas to reside in London varies based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the wealth of its housing choices, discover cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.