Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this duration is relatively brief, I’ve absorbed some insights. London is a vibrant city, not only for its variety of living arrangements but also for its communities. Students find an abundance of options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their potential accommodations online, complete with details on amenities and public transport connections.
During my search for a residence, I desired a room in Central London to remain in proximity to major attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to lower my commuting expenses, as traveling between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. Instead of taking a bus or tube for short distances, I opted to walk. Nevertheless, oyster card options have reduced the cost of university commutes. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services encompass areas beyond the Underground network, stretching to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure established by each train company. Central London features primary attractions, leading to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly decreasing our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age group, a combination that’s often difficult to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies cuts down on time spent on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their homeland. Southall, in West London, features a significant South Asian community replete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling enclave with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The ideal areas to live in London hinge on your interests and requirements. To locate a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.