Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired several observations during this time. London is an energetic city, flourishing not only in its variety of living arrangements but also through its dynamic communities. Students have a multitude of choices available to them. Both student housing and private accommodations present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, including the facilities provided and the accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most centralized areas. London features an outstanding public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate between zones. Personally, I wished to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more cost-effective. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on the distance and each train company’s fare structure. The primary attractions in Central London lead to high living expenses. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, considerably lowering our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are available, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home nations while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music environment. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples represent only a fraction of community-focused neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for residing in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. When embarking on the search for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement offered by this extraordinary city.