Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may not seem like a lengthy time, I have accumulated some valuable experiences during my time here. London is an energetic city, known not only for its vast selection of housing options but also for its varied communities. Students are presented with a plethora of choices as both student residences and private housing feature amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while tools such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to scout for future residences online, detailing features and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most inner. London possesses an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling across zones quite straightforward. Personally, I sought to cut down on travel expenses since crossing zones could cost up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for these services depend on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. Central London, teeming with major attractions, incurs high living costs. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near key shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Deciding on a neighborhood to reside in is quite a daunting task. London’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for the comfort of their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the vibrant West End of London, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of the community neighborhoods available.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.