Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of living in London. Though it may not be an extensive period, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives during this time. London is a dynamic city, offering a vast array of housing choices and multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of options at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private housing feature possibilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential residences online, evaluate available amenities, and understand proximity to public transport.
During my quest for housing, I intended to rent a room in Central London to be near major attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London offers an excellent transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Besides that, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train company. Central London’s popular attractions drive up living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent obligations. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend less feasible through private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on chores, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a significant role in its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students residing in London desire a connection to their home countries. Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian population, along with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, boasts numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, appreciate the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and take pleasure in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.