Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month mark of my residence in London. Although this may not be an extensive period, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its vibrant communities. Students have a plethora of options available. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, showcasing facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, I targeted a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb public transportation system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating ease of movement and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 a day. I opted to walk for shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card schemes have lowered commuting costs for university travels. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structures of each rail provider. Central London, with its major attractions, tends to have elevated living costs. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; budget-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, creating diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for a sense of connection to their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area with Chinese dining, retail, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable neighborhoods in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation possibilities, investigate cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.