Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve gained significant insights. London is an energetic metropolis, notable not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural populace. Students are presented with countless alternatives. Both university accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, individual and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse possible housing online, evaluate their features, and consider their distance from public transport.
During my quest for a residence, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key sights, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an exceptional transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes traversing between zones simple. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have eased the financial burden of university commutes. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zones. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare policy. Major attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student residences to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is more difficult to encounter in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on chores, especially during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for the comfort of their home culture. Southall in West London has a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End features numerous Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few snapshots of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place to call home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.