Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I completed my nine-month journey of residing in London. While nine months may seem brief, I have gained extensive knowledge during this time. London is an energetic metropolis, not only because of its varied housing choices but also its vibrant communities. Students have a wealth of options readily available. Both student residences and private housing present different configurations such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom aid international students in exploring their future homes online, including the amenities they provide and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room to rent in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone travel can reach up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have greatly reduced commuting costs for university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. Central London presents significant attractions, resulting in high living costs. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which dramatically lowered our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups—a combination more challenging to discover in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near essential venues like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands; this proximity becomes particularly beneficial during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural richness, creating a diverse range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their home country. Southall, in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The best neighborhoods to stay in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its accommodation varieties, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.