Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem like a lengthy period, I’ve gained considerable experience. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its vibrant communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student residences and private lodging present various alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, including amenities and their distance from public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making movement and travel between the zones seamless. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel fares can soar up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. However, the oyster card options have made commuting for university much more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the underground system, encompassing areas outside Central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare frameworks of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly slashed our rent costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near 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. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in is an intricate task. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their native countries. Southall, located in West London, has a substantial South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, in South London, is renowned 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 a variety of Chinese restaurants, retailers, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of such community-oriented neighborhoods.
The best locales to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. While on the lookout for a new place to call home in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.