Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this isn’t an extensive period, I’ve gained a considerable amount of insight. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a myriad of housing options and lively neighborhoods. Students are presented with countless selections. Both university accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange for apartment viewings, while online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings from afar, showcasing the available facilities and access to public transport.
In my pursuit of a place to stay, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant sights, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The transport network of London, comprising the tube, buses, and trains, facilitates easy traveling between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter routes rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, options for oyster cards have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the unique pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London are driven by its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a companion, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less prevalent in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as grocery outlets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. The ethnic communities of London are essential to its cultural essence, featuring a diversity of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community showcasing Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End hosts an array of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These neighborhoods are merely a few examples of community enclaves.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new domicile in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its accommodation choices, immerse yourself in cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.