Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this timeframe might seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private lodgings provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom facilitate international student access to potential living spaces online, allowing them to evaluate amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending to areas outside the central city. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare protocols of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I shared a room with a friend from university, significantly alleviating our rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a mix that is often harder to come by in private residences.
Living near supermarkets was vital for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s multicultural communities are vital to its cultural identity, creating a vibrant tapestry of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a semblance of their home culture. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with a multitude of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.