Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not merely for its varied living arrangements but also for its dynamic communities. Students enjoy a plethora of options at their fingertips. Both student accommodation and private living spaces present choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transport routes.
In my quest for a residence, I sought a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social scenes, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London’s public transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies traversing the city and commuting between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 per day. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The high living costs near central London’s prime attractions are noteworthy. Luckily, I had university companionship, and my friend and I opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a task that would be more challenging in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The convenience of being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s multicultural communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home cultures while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These merely scratch the surface of community-based neighborhoods.
The ideal locales for living in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new dwelling in London, take advantage of the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.