Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not too long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may not be an extensive period, I have gained a wealth of experience. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not just for its wide range of living arrangements but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide various choices 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 browse possible lodgings online, review amenities, and assess their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for suitable housing, I preferred a room located in Central London to maintain proximity to significant landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The metropolis is sectioned into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transportation network is superb, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize transportation expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university trips. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, encompassing regions outside of central London. Fares for travel across zones on these services differ depending on distance and the fare framework of each train operator. Central London’s major attractions contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I was at university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student residences to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, which would have been more complicated through private rentals.
Staying near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite challenging. The ethnic communities in London are integral to its cultural tapestry, providing varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland within London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, hosts a plethora of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a handful of illustrative community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for your next home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.