Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may seem like a brief period, I’ve gained several observations throughout my time here. London is a bustling metropolis, offering an array of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have numerous alternatives at their fingertips, ranging from student residences to private lodgings, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, verify available facilities, and determine closeness to public transport.
During my pursuit of housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transit system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which make it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To cut down on travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 per day for inter-zonal journeys, I decided to walk short distances rather than utilize buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering locations outside central London. Ticket prices for these services vary according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, considerably lowering our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that’s typically more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities play a significant role in its cultural richness, providing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of connection to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. As you look for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing choices, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.