Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive duration, I have gained significant insights. London is an animated city, notable not only for its range of housing options but also for its varied communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and locate nearby public transport links.
In my search for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay near major attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize transport expenses, as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made university travels more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the underground network, extending into zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on the distance and fare structure of each train operator. Major landmarks in Central London result in higher living costs. Fortunately, I had a university friend, and we mutually decided to share a room, which led to substantial rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from diverse backgrounds of similar ages, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like grocery shops and pharmacies saves time while running errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home country within London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The finest areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.