Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem like a lengthy period, I have gained considerable insight. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing alternatives but also for its communities. Students have numerous options available right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private residences provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and communal living arrangements. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, assess amenities, and discover nearby public transport connections.
During my search for living arrangements, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social sites, and the Imperial campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London boasts an outstanding public transit system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating ease of movement and travel across zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can amount to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university journeys more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend their operations to regions beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and of similar ages, a combination that is often less common in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Most international students in London seek to feel at home. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian dining spots, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area brimming with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London are contingent on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.