Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it might seem brief, I have gained some perspectives throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, not only due to its varied housing selections but also because of its energetic communities. Students are presented with a multitude of options. Both student accommodations and private residences provide diverse choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house share arrangements. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social locales, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between different zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can escalate to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, expanding coverage outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The costs of living in central London are elevated due to its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend 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, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic societies are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse districts. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home countries. Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is an animated area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to dwell in London depend on personal interests and preferences. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.