Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a lengthy period, I have acquired some understanding. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its wide array of housing options but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of alternatives available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to explore potential living spaces online, including the amenities provided and their accessibility to public transport.
While searching for a residence, I aimed for a room in Central London to stay close to the main attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to traverse and travel between zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university less expensive. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high cost of living in central London is influenced by its major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds and a similar age group, which would have been more challenging in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with lower-cost options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Choosing a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, has a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. To locate a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.