Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve acquired valuable insights throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, celebrated for its variety of housing options and vibrant communities. Students have an abundance of selections available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations present numerous choices, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, review available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my pursuit of a living space, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones simple. I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 daily. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, options for an oyster card have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network into zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I enrolled at university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly lowering our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been challenging in private residences.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to essential outlets such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are key components of its cultural landscape, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These examples illustrate just a small selection of community-focused neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.