Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of living in London. While that might not appear substantial, I’ve acquired several observations during this period. London is a dynamic city, not only because of its various housing options but also due to its multifaceted communities. Students have a wealth of choices available. Both student residences and private housing provide selections like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential living spaces online, along with the amenities available and their distance to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social spots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric rings, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an excellent transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes moving around and traveling between zones straightforward. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network into areas outside central London. Rates for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high costs of living near Central London’s major attractions can be significant. Thankfully, attending university with a companion enabled us to share accommodations, dramatically cutting our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate housing options, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would have been more difficult with private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time for errands, especially during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood presents a tough choice. The ethnic communities in London are essential to its cultural identity, creating a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a connection to their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are only a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When searching for new accommodation in London, embrace the profusion and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.