Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem like a long time, I have acquired several insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its wide range of housing options but also its multicultural communities. Students have countless choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to inspect potential accommodations online, including features and closeness to public transportation.
In my hunt for a living space, I targeted a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, nightlife areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London has a superb transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, covering regions outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Major attractions in central London lead to elevated living costs. Thankfully, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly lowering rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mixture that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam sessions.
Selecting a neighborhood can be complex. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich variety of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their home countries. Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian community with Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new dwelling in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, investigate cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city offers.