Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months is not an extensive duration, I have accumulated various insights throughout this period. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by a range of housing options but also by its diverse communities. Students have an array of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, review available amenities, and consider their distance from public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to find a room to rent in Central London to remain close to popular attractions, social spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London is equipped with an outstanding transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to lower my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, serving regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. The presence of major attractions in Central London leads to elevated living costs. Fortunately, attending university alongside a friend permitted us to share a room, greatly decreasing our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for my convenience. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in its cultural composition, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their homeland. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, centrally located in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.