Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone in London. Though this duration may seem brief, I’ve garnered valuable insights throughout this time. London thrives as a bustling metropolis, not solely because of its varied housing choices but also due to its dynamic communities. Students are presented with an abundance of options. Both student residences and private housing offer a range of selections, including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom grant international students the ability to explore potential lodgings online, review available amenities, and evaluate their proximity to public transit.
While I was on the lookout for accommodation, my objective was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, 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 transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel between different zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips could cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have increased affordability for commuting to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground coverage, reaching areas outside the central zone. Ticket prices for inter-zone journeys on these services vary according to distance and the pricing structure established by each train operator. Central London hosts significant attractions, which correlate with elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with fellow students from various backgrounds within a similar age range, a blend that’s less commonly found in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Notable supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London tend to seek a connection with their home cultures. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian demographic, featuring Indian eateries, grocery markets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, at the heart of London’s West End, presents a vibrant hub brimming with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas for residing in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. When embarking on the search for your new residence in London, embrace the richness and diversity of its housing alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.