Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy period, I have gathered some observations. London is a vibrant city, not only for its broad array of housing options but also due to its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of alternatives at their disposal. Both student residences and private rentals provide types like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to examine prospective lodgings online, review amenities, and locate local public transport connections.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal movement can amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university trips more affordable. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone movement on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London stem from its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to cohabitate in a room, substantially lowering rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a daunting task. The city’s ethnic communities form a fundamental part of its cultural identity, providing diverse localities. Numerous international students look for familiarity with their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, positioned in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When searching for a new abode in London, take advantage of the city’s diverse housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city offers.