Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this duration isn’t extensive, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its rich communities. Students have an abundance of options readily available. Both student residences and private accommodations feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared housing. Domestic students have no trouble scheduling apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective lodgings online, encompassing details on facilities and access to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, my preference was for a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can incur daily costs of up to £5.25. I decided to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, the oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground routes, reaching areas outside central London. The prices for inter-zone travel fluctuate depending on the distance and the fare structure of each train provider. The high living costs in Central London are a consequence of its major attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend meant we could share a room, substantially lessening our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age demographics, a combination that’s often rarer in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities throughout London are vital to its cultural identity, providing a variety of neighborhoods. A multitude of international students seeks the comfort of familiar backgrounds in this city. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian population, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional fashion shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and its dynamic music scene. Chinatown in London’s West End presents a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a couple of instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, celebrate the diversity and abundance of its lodging options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.