Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Although this duration isn’t particularly lengthy, I’ve garnered some observations. London is an energetic metropolis, attributed not just to its varied housing options but also its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of alternatives available to them. Student accommodations and private housing provide a wide range of choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential lodgings online, along with the amenities available and their proximity to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an exceptional transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel across zones. I sought to lower my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. However, the oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and individual train company pricing. Central London is home to major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university helped me considerably lower rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which is often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland, are prevalent. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own challenges. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek familiar traits from their home countries in London. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places 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 options, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.