Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching the nine-month mark of my stay in London. Although nine months isn’t an extensive timeframe, I’ve gathered some valuable experiences during this duration. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for the thriving communities within. Students have an abundance of choices at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing offer a range of possibilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in discovering potential accommodation options online, showcasing the facilities available and their proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is divided into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London features a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate between zones. Personally, I tried to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel could cost as much as £5.25 per day. To save money, I chose to walk short distances instead of opting for the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university journeys more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while attending university has significantly lowered our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing close to key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time for errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be difficult. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their home countries. Southall, situated in West London, has a sizable South Asian population with numerous Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling district filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few instances of community areas.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing opportunities, explore the cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this exceptional city.