Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residence in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gained several insights. London is a dynamic metropolis, showcasing a wide variety of living arrangements and communities. Students have numerous options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can book apartment visits with ease, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, complete with amenities and public transport connections.
While searching for a place to live, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be near major attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation system, with the underground (tube), buses, and trains that make navigating and traveling between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the specific fare system of each train company. Although Central London features major attractions, living costs can be steep. Fortunately, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s harder to find in private accommodations.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies helps save time when running errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural identity, presenting an intricate mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of connection to their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London will vary based on your preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its living options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.