Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not too long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although it might not seem like a long time, I’ve gained several perspectives. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students enjoy multiple options, including accommodation dedicated to students as well as private dwellings that feature ensuite and suite baths, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students in digitally exploring their future homes, available facilities, and distance to public transport.
During my hunt for lodging, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to significant attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London has an outstanding transportation network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to maneuver and travel between zones. To cut down on travel expenditures, which can amount to as high as £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more economical. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, servicing areas outside central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the fare system of each train company. The high living costs in Central London are influenced by its main attractions. Luckily, attending university with a companion permitted us to share a room, significantly lowering our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, which could have been more difficult in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, conserves time on everyday tasks, particularly during examination periods.
Picking a neighborhood in London can be difficult. The city’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural essence, presenting a rich mosaic of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, right in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London largely depend on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, welcome the diversity and wealth of its accommodation options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.