Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not seem like a lengthy duration, I have acquired several observations throughout my stay. London thrives as a bustling metropolis, marked by its array of housing selections and dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both university housing and private accommodations present a variety of options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Students enrolled at home can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to inspect their potential residences online, complete with details about amenities and transportation accessibility.
In my quest for a living space, I aspired to secure a room in Central London to remain near prominent sights, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies movement and transit across zones. Personally, I aimed to cut down on travel expenses as inter-zonal commuting can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing regions outside of central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs near Central London’s main attractions are noteworthy. Luckily, I enrolled at university with a friend, and we made the choice to share a room, which significantly lowered our rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend less common in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with cost-effective alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London play a vital role in shaping its cultural identity, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students gravitate towards the comfort of their home country’s culture within this city. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music environment. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, vibrantly showcases numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrills this extraordinary city offers.