Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of my stay in London. Although nine months may not seem extensive, I have acquired several valuable insights throughout this time. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized by its varied housing choices and energetic communities. Students have a plethora of options to explore. Both institutional housing and private rentals provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings of apartments, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to preview their future homes online, including details about amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to maintain proximity to significant landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centralized. London features an exceptional transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies travel and navigation across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones can result in costs nearing £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching regions outside central London. Travel fares between zones on these services fluctuate depending on the distance and the pricing structure of each railway operator. The costs of living in Central London are elevated due to its prominent attractions. Fortunately, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination less prevalent in private residences.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. The most common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being nearby essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood presents its challenges. The diverse ethnic communities in London are essential to its cultural landscape, yielding a variety of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their native countries. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and thriving music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, bursts with life, offering countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community-driven neighbourhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London largely depend on individual interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation, explore its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.