Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated the completion of nine months residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, recognized not just for its varied housing offerings but also for its dynamic communities. Students are presented with numerous options. Both student residences and private housing feature a range of alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while international students can leverage services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential housing online, examine facilities, and evaluate access to public transport.
During my hunt for a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London offers a superb transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to cut down on travel expenses, as cross-zone travel can reach £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to many major attractions, which drives living costs up. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, considerably lowering our rent payments. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to meet peers from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a mixture that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was imperative for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time when running errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comfort of their native cultures within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, found in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the bustling West End, is a lively area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.