Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months might appear brief, I’ve gained considerable experience. London is a bustling metropolis, notable for its wide-ranging living arrangements as well as its lively communities. Students have an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective housing online, examine facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to lease a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport system comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as commuting between zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, connecting areas outside the central core. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these lines fluctuate according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London attracts many visitors, which contributes to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to engage with students from varied backgrounds within the same age bracket, a combination that is often more difficult to locate in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on day-to-day tasks, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a connection to their native culture while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a sizable South Asian presence with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. To locate a new abode in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.