Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, I’ve acquired several observations. London is a bustling metropolis, not only because of its myriad housing options but also due to its varied communities. Students have a wealth of alternatives at their fingertips. Both university accommodations and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, communal and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can conveniently arrange viewing appointments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom provide international students with the ability to browse possible residences online, complete with details about amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my endeavor to find suitable lodging, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the central areas. London boasts a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which allows for seamless navigation and transit across zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Still, oyster card alternatives have made trips to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services expand beyond the Underground’s reach, serving areas outside the central city. Fares for inter-zone travel on these routes differ according to distance and the pricing policies of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university allowed us to considerably cut down on rent. I preferred intercollegiate housing to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that can be harder to find in private accommodations.
Having easy access to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s cultural communities form an essential part of its sociocultural landscape, presenting a rich mosaic of different areas. Numerous international students look for connections to their home nations in London. Southall in West London is known for its significant South Asian population, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London vary according to personal preferences and requirements. As you search for a new home in London, embrace the multitude and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.