Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the milestone of nine months in London. Although it might not seem like a long period, I’ve gained significant insights during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a wide array of choices available to them. Both student lodgings and private rentals provide different options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore their potential homes online, including details on amenities and access to public transport.
While I was hunting for accommodation, my goal was to lease a room in Central London, closer to prominent attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a remarkable public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and commute between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel costs since journeys between zones can run up to £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, options like the oyster card have made commuting to university considerably more affordable. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each railway operating company. The cost of living in Central London is relatively high due to its numerous major attractions. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which greatly reduced our rental expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from different backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that would have been tougher to find in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities form an essential aspect of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London desire the comfort of familiarity from their home country. Southall, situated in West London, has a significant South Asian community, boasting a variety of Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub with a diverse selection of Chinese dining, shopping, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are based on your interests and preferences. When looking for a new home in London, take advantage of the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into the cultural enclaves, and appreciate the ease and thrill of this extraordinary city.