Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this period might seem brief, I’ve acquired a wealth of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, not only for its range of housing options but also for its rich tapestry of communities. Students find a myriad of opportunities right at their fingertips. Both university housing and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential homes online, reviewing facilities, and identifying nearby public transport routes.
During my quest for a residence, I specifically targeted a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, vibrant social areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most pivotal. London boasts a superb transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating ease of movement and traversal across zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses due to the fact that crossing zones can accumulate costs as high as £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Plus, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the Underground network, reaching into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London is home to numerous attractions, which naturally elevates living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the choice to share a room, resulting in significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations as a means to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s harder to discover in private homes.
Residing close to grocery outlets was vital for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural essence, presenting a vibrant mixture of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek comfort from their home nations within London. Southall, located in West London, houses a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. At the core of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling area filled with Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the accessibility and vibrancy of this exceptional city.