Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may appear brief, I’ve garnered some valuable perspectives during this period. London is an energetic metropolis, not only in regard to its varied lodging options but also its multifaceted communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student housing and private residences provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can seamlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective accommodations online, examine available amenities, and evaluate distance to public transportation.
In my quest for a place to call home, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay near major landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a robust transportation system, including the subway (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating straightforward navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel costs since inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of using buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The prime attractions of Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to cohabit in a room, significantly reducing rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from assorted backgrounds and similar ages, a mixture often harder to find in private rentals.
Living in close proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is not easy. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial aspect of its cultural essence, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for the comfort of their home countries. Southall, located in West London, features a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new dwelling in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.