Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone in London. While this duration might not appear lengthy, I have accumulated valuable experiences along the way. London exudes vibrancy, not only in its variety of living arrangements but also within its many communities. Students find themselves with plenty of options. Both student residences and private rentals offer an array of choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule viewings for apartments, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring their prospective lodgings online, highlighting available amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, entertainment spots, and campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an exceptional transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to lower my travel expenses as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university much more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The living expenses around Central London’s popular attractions are notably high. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, substantially easing our rent burden. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges—a combination that proves more challenging to discover in private rentals.
For me, the ability to live near grocery stores was vital. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London presents its challenges. The city’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, creating a rich and diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their home country while residing in London. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a large South Asian community with Indian dining venues, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and bustling music scene. Chinatown, in London’s West End, is a dynamic area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal locations for living in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.