Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of living in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve accumulated a few observations. London pulses with life, offering not just a variety of housing choices but also rich cultural communities. Students have a wealth of options available. Both student accommodations and private lodgings feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared housing. Local students can conveniently schedule viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential housing online, complete with details on amenities and access to public transport.
In my search for a residence, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London has a superb transit system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and traverse between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London showcases major attractions, contributing to elevated living costs. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly lessened our rent obligations. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood presents challenges. London’s diverse ethnic communities are essential to its cultural identity, offering a vibrant patchwork of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a taste of their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian population complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, in the center of London’s West End, buzzes with activity, boasting numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These examples represent just a glimpse of the community neighborhoods available.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.