Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this duration may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired several insights. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing choices and lively communities. Students have a multitude of options available, with both student accommodation and private housing offering amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, along with their features and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a place to reside, I set my sights on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to traverse the zones. Personally, I sought to reduce travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. However, 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, with ticket prices varying based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to escalated living costs. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, significantly lowering our rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from diverse cultures and similar age groups, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Nearness to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its rich cultural fabric, offering a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of familiarity from their homelands within London. Southall in West London features a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End offers countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to live in London depend upon personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.