Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Though this time frame isn’t particularly long, I’ve accumulated some valuable experiences during my time here. London is an energetic city, not only due to its vast array of accommodation choices but also because of the dynamic communities present. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student housing and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible living arrangements online, complete with details on amenities and access to public transportation.
In my pursuit of a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an impressive transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which allows for easy navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize my travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, the oyster card options have greatly lowered travel expenses for university journeys. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central city. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London is home to numerous attractions, resulting in relatively high living costs. Fortunately, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that would be harder to achieve in private housing.
Living near supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting choice. The diverse ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a cornucopia of varied neighborhoods. Many international students in London search for the comfort of their native countries. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the variety and vibrancy of its accommodation opportunities, explore cultural districts, and indulge in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.