Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem lengthy, I have acquired some valuable perspectives. London is an energetic city, not only for its range of housing alternatives but also for its varied communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, review available amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, I sought a room to rent in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an exceptional transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to trim travel expenses, as inter-zonal commuting can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than use buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made university travel more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, serving areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London is home to significant attractions, which contributes to higher living expenses. Fortunately, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to co-rent a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the opportunity to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, providing a rich variety of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a connection to their home cultures. Southall, located in West London, has a large South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These illustrate just a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for living in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.