Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve gained significant insights. London is lively, not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its vibrant communities. Students have various options readily available. Both student lodgings and private accommodations provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential homes online, assess facilities, and discover nearby public transport connections.
As I scoured for a residence, my goal was to find a room in Central London to stay near popular sights, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city comprises six layered zones, with zones one and two at the core. London boasts an outstanding public transit system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I focused on minimizing travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than use buses or the tube. Nevertheless, options like the oyster card have lowered commuting costs to the university. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services access areas beyond the Underground network, spanning to zones outside Central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare schedule of each train operator. Central London houses major attractions, contributing to the high living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, greatly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds of similar ages, a combination that is less prevalent in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural landscape, providing a range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek to connect with their homeland within London. Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown located in the heart of London’s West End features a plethora of Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural activities. These instances illustrate just a fraction of the community-oriented neighborhoods.
The choice of the best areas to reside in London hinges on individual interests and requirements. To secure a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its living arrangements, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.