Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve absorbed a considerable amount of information. London pulsates with life, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its dynamic communities. Students find numerous alternatives right at their doorstep. Both university housing and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment showings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, evaluate the facilities, and assess their closeness to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has a superb transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I sought to minimize transportation expenses, as traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have reduced commuting expenses for university students. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services encompass regions outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the fare structures implemented by each train operating company. The costs of living in Central London are high due to its major attractions. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to attend university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, resulting in considerable savings on our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been trickier through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was a top priority for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, offering a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London crave the familiarity of their native countries. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the richness and diversity of its housing options, discover the cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.