Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months may appear brief, I have gained a considerable amount of knowledge during this period. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodation and private rentals provide an array of options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential places online, review amenities, and assess distances to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to be near key sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a top-notch transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel between zones. Personally, I wanted to minimize transportation expenses as traveling between zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university travels more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services service areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare design of each railway company. Central London hosts significant attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, leading to substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to supermarkets was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to basic stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood for residence is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a colorful array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of familiarity reminiscent of their home country. Southall, located in West London, is known for its large South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton stands out for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Situated in the center of London’s West End, Chinatown is a vibrant area filled with an abundance of Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal districts to reside in London hinge on your interests and preferences. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of housing possibilities, delve into cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.