Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I’ve gained a few perspectives despite this being a relatively short time. This vibrant city is not only characterized by its extensive housing options but also by the myriad of communities that inhabit it. Students find themselves with a plethora of choices. From student residences to private rentals, there are options for ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international learners to explore possible accommodation online, inspect available facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, lively areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and inter-zone travel. My goal was to minimize travel expenditures since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances over taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have helped make university travel less expensive. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on the distance traveled and the pricing structure of each train operator. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, effectively cutting down on rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and ages, a blend less common in private housing.
It was essential for me to live close to grocery stores. Familiar supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, whereas budget-friendly alternatives consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies is a time saver, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s diverse ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek out the comfort of their home countries while living here. Southall in West London features a large South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean populace and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located at the center of London’s West End, is an energetic area filled with numerous Chinese dining venues, shops, and cultural activities. These neighborhoods are just a few examples of the community spaces available.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a home in London, welcome the diversity and multitude of accommodation choices, dive into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this fantastic city.