Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of my stay in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gained significant insights. London is an energetic city, offering not just a variety of living arrangements but also dynamic communities. Students have abundant local options to choose from. Both university accommodations and private rentals provide multiple alternatives, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom assist international students in examining possible rentals digitally, assessing amenities, and locating adjacent public transport connections.
During my housing search, I intended to rent a room in Central London for proximity to main attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London’s superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation around the city and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zone journeys can accrue costs of up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, covering regions beyond central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services fluctuate according to distance and the pricing model of each train operator. The high living costs in central London are primarily due to the numerous attractions. Luckily, I commenced my university journey with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably reduced our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers of diverse backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more challenging in private accommodations.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores, including supermarkets and pharmacies, is a time-saver, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting varied neighborhoods. Many international students search for the comfort of their home culture within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, showcases a wide array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, take advantage of the city’s varied accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.