Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem like a long duration, I have gained considerable insights. London is a dynamic city, not just because of its variety of housing options but also due to its lively communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student accommodations and private residences provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule viewings of apartments, while online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations digitally, including amenities and nearby public transportation links.
During my search for a living space, I aimed to find a room in Central London for proximity to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can incur daily costs as high as £5.25. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, extending to areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared accommodations, significantly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate housing to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages, a blend less common in private rentals.
It was essential for me to live near grocery stores. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to key stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time spent on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is known for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling quarter filled with various Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a handful of examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new place to live in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, discover cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.