Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Though this duration may seem brief, I have gathered various insights during my time here. London is a bustling metropolis, providing an extensive range of housing alternatives and dynamic communities. Students can select from various options, including student residences, private housing, ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can readily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, review amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can accumulate to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail routes extend beyond the underground network, encompassing regions outside Central London, with fares varying depending on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly lowering rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, something that would have been more complex to achieve through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was a significant consideration for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital retail outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be challenging. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, creating a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home nations in London. Southall, located in West London, features a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant hub filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. As you search for a new dwelling in London, embrace the rich diversity of accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.