Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I have recently completed nine months of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I have acquired various insights throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just for its wide array of housing options but also for the various communities that call it home. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential lodgings online, verify amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for a living space, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has an outstanding transportation network that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and commute between zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in central London are largely attributed to its main attractions. Fortunately, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodations and significantly lower our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mixture that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a complex task. The city’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural essence, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for the comfort of their homeland in this city. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and shops selling traditional clothing. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music culture. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to live in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.