Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching nine months of my stay in London. While it may not seem like a long time, I have accumulated some observations. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a wide range of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of alternatives ranging from student residences to private lodgings, which include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in researching potential residences online, evaluating facilities, and considering distances to public transport.
During my housing search, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most hub-like. London boasts an outstanding transportation system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel across zones quite easy. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, options like the oyster card have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, spanning areas outside Central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions of Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, being at university with a friend enabled us to split a room, which greatly lowered rent costs. I selected intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery outlets was important to me. Major supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves valuable time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Choosing a neighborhood can be quite daunting. London’s varied ethnic communities are essential to its cultural richness and present a vibrant selection of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home country while in London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is an energetic locale filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The best areas to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. While on the quest for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the wealth of its accommodation offerings, explore cultural hubs, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.