Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month mark of my stay in London. While this period may not seem extensive, I’ve gained some valuable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just due to its wide range of housing options but also its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodation and private housing offer various options like ensuite bathrooms, suite bathrooms, shared rooms, private rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, scrutinize available amenities, and identify nearby public transport links.
In my quest for a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London in order to remain close to key sites, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an exceptional transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I was keen to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can accumulate to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using buses or the tube. Nevertheless, various oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend outside the Underground network, serving areas beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London, especially near major attractions, are notable. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, something more challenging through private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with cheaper options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores nearby, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities contribute significantly to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for the comforts of their home nations. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the heart of the West End buzzes with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London rely on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this remarkable city has to offer.