Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While nine months may not seem lengthy, I’ve absorbed a significant amount during this time. London pulsates with energy, not just due to its varied housing choices but also because of its dynamic communities. Students have a wealth of options available. Both student residences and private rentals provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, as well as shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future living spaces online, along with information on amenities and transport links.
In my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key sights, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an exceptional transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to lower travel costs, as moving between zones can amount to £5.25 per day. I preferred walking short distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London hosts major attractions, leading to high living expenses. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby helps save time when running errands, especially during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood can be quite difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their home cultures. Southall, in West London, has a large South Asian diaspora, boasting Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music ambiance. Chinatown, located in the very heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples highlight just a few of the culturally rich neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of accommodation options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.