Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. While this may not seem like a significant length of time, I’ve gained valuable experiences during this period. London is an energetic city, offering not only a variety of living arrangements but also dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options available. Both shared student housing and private rentals present various selections including ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studios, and cohabitation arrangements. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, while international students can turn to online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore possible lodgings, review amenities, and check their distance from public transport links.
In my quest for housing, I planned to rent a room in Central London to stay near the main attractions, social spots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s superb transport network—comprising the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—makes it easy to get around and travel between zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses down, as inter-zone journeys can be as much as £5.25 each day, opting to walk shorter distances instead of resorting to public transit. Nevertheless, Oyster card options have rendered university-related travel more economical. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, servicing areas on the outskirts of central London. Ticket prices for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of individual train companies. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to the elevated cost of living. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to split a room, greatly alleviating our rent burden. I favored shared student accommodations to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and age ranges, an experience that would have been harder to achieve in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Well-known supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are common, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Access to vital stores, including supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errands, especially during exam time.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting choice. The ethnic communities within London play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, offering a vibrant mix of neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity from their home nations within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian dining options, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-based neighborhoods.
The most desirable places to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and richness of the housing choices, delve into cultural quarters, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.