Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it might appear to be a brief duration, I’ve acquired several observations throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its extensive range of living arrangements but also for the diverse communities it hosts. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer various selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule viewings for apartments, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore prospective living spaces online, considering their amenities and nearness to public transport.
In my endeavor to secure a residence, I strived to locate a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones 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. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal commuting can cost as much as £5.25 a day. I frequently preferred to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, connecting to areas outside of central London. The prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each rail operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, which led us to opt for sharing a room, greatly lowering our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations with the hope of meeting peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that would be more difficult to find in privately owned properties.
Having easy access to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is time-saving, particularly during exam seasons.
Deciding on a neighborhood to inhabit is daunting. The ethnic communities in London are integral to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of distinct neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for elements of their home countries. Southall, located in West London, hosts a sizeable South Asian community with an array of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its living arrangements, discover the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.