Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it’s a relatively short period, I’ve gathered a number of observations along the way. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a diverse range of housing alternatives and lively communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and sole-occupancy rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing options online, inspect amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To lower travel expenses, since inter-zonal fares can rise to £5.25 each day, I decided to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commutes to the university more pocket-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the pricing structure of each railway company. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend while attending university greatly minimized our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
It was essential for me to reside near grocery stores. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. The ethnic communities of London are fundamental to its cultural richness, creating a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of connection to their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown in the West End is filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These illustrate just a few of the neighborhood communities.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place to live in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city has to offer.