Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although this may not seem like an extended time period, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives during my stay. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a variety of housing choices and multicultural environments. Students have plenty of options available to them. Both student housing and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local pupils can easily organize apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, complete with details on amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on finding a room to rent in Central London to stay close to key attractions, vibrant social areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London prides itself on an efficient transport system, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate between zones. Personally, I aimed to lower travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, serving areas beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and each train company’s fare policy. The high cost of living in Central London is partly due to its many prominent attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which helped significantly cut down on rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and of similar ages, a blend that is often harder to find in private housing.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. The ethnic communities in London are a critical part of its cultural essence, weaving together a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections with their homeland. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community complete with Indian dining options, grocery establishments, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, right in the center of London’s West End, offers a bustling neighborhood filled with countless Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and depth of its housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.