Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months of residing in London, I have gathered various insights, even if the duration is not particularly long. London is a dynamic city that presents a rich assortment of living arrangements and active communities. Students have a multitude of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private residences offer options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can seamlessly organize apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, featuring amenities and their distance from public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near prime attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London possesses a superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and inter-zone travel. To minimize travel expenses, since travel between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the rate structure of each train provider. The major attractions of Central London play a role in driving up living expenses. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend permitted us to share accommodations, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being situated near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also available. Proximity to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, creating a vibrant mix of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a semblance of their home country’s culture in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are only a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal living areas in London are influenced by personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, explore cultural neighborhoods, and take pleasure in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.