Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months in London. While it may not seem like a long duration, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, providing a plethora of housing alternatives and varied communities. Students have a wealth of choices available. Both student accommodations and private lodgings offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective homes online, review available features, and evaluate distance to public transport.
During my search for housing, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel between zones. To reduce travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to outlying areas. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing policies of each train operator. The high living expenses in central London are attributed to the major attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to encounter in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a daunting task. London’s diverse ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a connection to their country of origin while in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional attire stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to live in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.