Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve gained some insights. London buzzes with life, showcasing not only its varied housing choices but also its vibrant communities. Students find themselves with numerous options available. Both student residences and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, various room types, studio apartments, and shared accommodations. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring their prospective living situations online, highlighting facilities and access to public transit.
As I searched for my living space, I aimed for a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, ensuring ease of movement and travel between zones. I was keen on minimizing travel expenses as moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I decided to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. In addition, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, encompassing zones outside the central area. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of the respective train company. Central London is home to prominent attractions, which raises living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, with the hope of connecting with peers from various backgrounds in a similar age group, a blend harder to encounter in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood can be challenging. London’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, showcasing various neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity with their homelands in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively quarter filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. To discover a new living space in London, embrace the kaleidoscope of its accommodation choices, wander through cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.