Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I reached the nine-month mark of my stay in London. While nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained valuable insights throughout this period. London is an energetic city, known not just for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students find numerous choices at their convenience. Both university housing and private rentals provide an array of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to check their prospective homes online, review the available amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
When looking for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London has a commendable transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to move around and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can reach £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university quite economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on the distance and fare structure of each train operating company. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to high living costs. Fortunately, I started university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which notably lowered our rent. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to meet individuals from various backgrounds and of the same age, a blend that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is not easy. The ethnic communities of London are pivotal to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and depth of its housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.