Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy duration, I’ve acquired some knowledge. London is an energetic city, characterized by its assorted living arrangements and its vibrant communities. Students have a plethora of selections available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer configurations such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom provide international students the ability to explore prospective lodgings online, including facilities and closeness to public transit.
During my quest for housing, I intended to rent a room in Central London to be close to major landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centrally located. London has a premier transportation system that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones convenient. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, 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 based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, which greatly lessened the rent burden. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and age groups—a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery shops was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home country within London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal living areas in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of housing choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.