Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I reached the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I’ve gathered several insights along the way. London is an energetic city, distinguished not only by its varied housing options but also by its dynamic communities. There are countless opportunities available to students right at their doorstep. Both student housing and private rentals provide a range of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, review the facilities available, and locate the nearest public transport connections.
In my search for accommodation, I aimed to find a room in Central London, allowing easy access to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating seamless movement and travel between zones. I sought to minimize my commuting expenses, as travel between zones can accumulate to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made traveling to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach locations beyond the Underground network, extending into outlying zones. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing policies of each train company. Central London is home to significant attractions, which contributes to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that would be more challenging to find in private housing.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside lower-cost options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during the exam period.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a challenging choice. The ethnic communities of London significantly contribute to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London desire the comfort of familiarity from their home nations. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a sizable South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend largely on your preferences and requirements. To secure a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation offerings, investigate the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.