Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Ashort while ago, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although it may appear brief, I have accumulated various experiences within this period. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices available right where they live. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide an array of selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and gauge the distance to public transport.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s proficient transportation system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates ease of movement and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend coverage to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare structures of each train operating company. While Central London boasts major attractions, living expenses can be quite steep. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and the same age group, a mix that is often elusive in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood for residence poses a challenge. The ethnic communities of London are vital to its cultural identity, contributing to a rich, diverse landscape of neighborhoods. Many international students residing in London yearn for a sense of familiarity from their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, cherish the variety and depth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city has to offer.