Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have gained several insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have a multitude of choices readily available. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview their potential homes online, assess amenities, and identify the closest public transport connections.
While searching for a place to stay, I was keen on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts an excellent transportation network comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, oyster card alternatives have made university commutes more economical. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, covering zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ depending on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London hosts significant attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, resulting in substantial savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a feat that would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural tapestry, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Most international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to stay in London vary based on your interests and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.