Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of living in London. Although it might not seem like a long time, it has been sufficient to glean some insights. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a range of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students are faced with a multitude of options. Both student residences and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing options, showcasing amenities and their closeness to public transportation.
As I sought housing, my goal was to secure a room in Central London, ensuring proximity to key landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city showcases six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s remarkable transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for seamless travel between these zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones could cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to the university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching parts of the city beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a connection that’s more challenging to build with private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Key supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, creating a vibrant mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of home in London. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population replete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new dwelling in London, embrace the variety of accommodation types, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.