Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I reached the milestone of nine months residing in London. Although nine months is not a lengthy period, I have gained considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, distinguished not only by its varied housing options but also by its dynamic communities. Students are presented with numerous choices right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide a range of options, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential homes online, examine the facilities, and locate the closest public transport links.
In my quest for a place to stay, I was on the lookout for a room to rent in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize my commuting expenses since inter-zonal travel can reach £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have considerably reduced commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare system of each train operator. Central London houses major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly cut down on rent. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and the same age group, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was crucial for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential outlets like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during examinations.
Selecting a neighborhood to call home is a challenging decision. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural essence, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of familiarity from their home countries. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community with an array of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Situated in the center of London’s West End, Chinatown is a vibrant enclave filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples merely scratch the surface of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of accommodation options, delve into the cultural districts, and relish the convenience and thrill that this extraordinary city has to offer.