Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months may seem short, I have gained a considerable amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its communities. Students have numerous nearby choices. Both student accommodations and private housing provide various options such as ensuite and suite baths, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential homes online, showcasing amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city consists of six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal trips can reach up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk for shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare system of each train company. Central London is home to prominent attractions, leading to higher living expenses. Thankfully, I enrolled at the university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s tougher to find in private rentals.
Living in close proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are available, along with lower-cost alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their home country. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to live in London rely on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.