Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although this period may not be extensive, I have acquired valuable insights throughout this time. London is an energetic city, not just for its wide range of housing alternatives but also for its varied communities. Students have plenty of options at their disposal. Both student accommodations and private housing offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential lodgings online, check for available facilities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for a place to reside, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I sought to decrease travel costs since inter-zonal commuting can accumulate to £5.25 on a daily basis. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university trips more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, covering areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing framework of each train company. The prime locations of London’s top attractions lead to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I had a university companion, and we chose to share a room, which significantly lessened our rent burden. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodation to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Picking a neighborhood to dwell in can be tough. London’s ethnic communities play a key role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of their home culture. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new abode in London, embrace the variety and wealth of its housing options, dive into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.