Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of living in London. Although this duration may not be extensive, I’ve gained various insights throughout this period. London presents itself as a dynamic city, not just in terms of its diverse housing choices but also regarding the communities that reside here. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer alternatives like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential accommodations online, including the amenities provided and their distance from public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones representing the core area. London features an outstanding transportation network, comprising the tube, buses, and trains, which makes navigating between zones simple. I personally aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have considerably lowered travel expenses for university trips. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these modes differ based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly decreasing rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the opportunity to meet students from various backgrounds and of similar ages, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Well-known supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having easy access to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is no easy task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is noted for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located at the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant locale filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most appealing areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city provides.