Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of my stay in London. While it may not be a long duration, I’ve gained some valuable perspectives along the way. London is a vibrant metropolis, offering a multitude of housing alternatives and a rich community tapestry. Students are presented with plenty of options, ranging from student residences to private lodgings, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to investigate potential housing options online, complete with features and nearby public transit.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, entertainment centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central areas. London’s top-notch transportation system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To economize on travel expenses, since inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than use buses or the tube. Nonetheless, options with an oyster card have made commuting to the university more cost-effective. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail networks extend beyond the Underground system, covering areas outside central London. Fares for these services depend on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Major attractions in Central London add to the overall living costs. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, leading to significant reductions in rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural fabric, creating a rich mosaic of unique neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their native cultures. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community, boasting numerous Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave featuring a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal neighborhoods for living in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this remarkable city.