Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I’ve recently hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives throughout this duration. London is a vibrant metropolis, renowned not only for its various housing choices but also for its multicultural communities. Students have an array of options available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations feature alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential homes online, examine the amenities provided, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my search for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay near key landmarks, social gatherings, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s robust transportation network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies travel and movement between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend outside of the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare system. The high demand for Central London’s main attractions results in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lessened our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to interact with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The convenience of nearby essential shops, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves valuable time during errand runs, particularly in exam seasons.
Choosing a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, creating a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their home cultures. Southall in West London is known for its vibrant South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery markets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London boasts a lively Afro-Caribbean community and an energetic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining and shopping options as well as cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.