Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
As of late, I have hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may appear as a brief duration, I’ve absorbed a variety of understandings throughout this time. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized not only by its extensive selection of living arrangements but also by its multicultural communities. Students have a multitude of alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer a range of choices including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment showings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore their prospective lodgings online, complete with the amenities provided and closeness to public transit.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social epicenters, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies the process of moving around and traveling across zones. I aimed to minimize my travel costs since inter-zonal commutes can amount to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground system, reaching areas beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The key attractions in Central London add to the elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly cut down on rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings, anticipating the opportunity to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that can be more difficult to encounter in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are quite common, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland available. Being near necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are key to its cultural richness, presenting a colorful array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for aspects reminiscent of their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Nestled in the center of London’s West End, Chinatown serves as a bustling hub filled with various Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, take advantage of the city’s varied lodging choices, delve into cultural communities, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary metropolis.