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 gathered a few observations. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its range of housing options but also by its multicultural neighborhoods. Students benefit from numerous alternatives right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, verify amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel much more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside of central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high cost of living in central London is influenced by its prominent attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and comparable age groups, a combination that is less commonly found in private rentals.
Being close 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. Being near critical stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its own set of challenges. London’s diverse ethnic communities are a pivotal part of its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of distinct neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their home countries. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, offers a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London depend upon personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing choices, explore cultural pockets, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.