Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Upon reaching the nine-month milestone of residing in London, I have gathered some perspectives during this period. London is a bustling metropolis, providing a diverse range of living arrangements and dynamic communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them, including student accommodation and private housing with amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can readily organize viewings for apartments, while international students can utilize websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to discover potential accommodations online, which include details on amenities and transportation accessibility.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social gathering spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London features a reliable transport system comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel across zones. To cut down on commuting expenses, which can amount to as much as £5.25 per day for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made daily commutes to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare structure set by each train operator. The high demand for Central London’s major attractions contributes to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to share accommodation, which significantly lessened our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more challenging to find in private housing.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a difficult choice. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, offering a rich assortment of diverse locales. Many international students look for a sense of belonging from their home countries while in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, provides a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.