Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month mark of my stay in London. While it may not seem like a long period, I have gained considerable experience. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its varied housing choices but also because of its numerous communities. Students are presented with a plethora of options. Both student accommodation and private rentals include choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, examine amenities, and discover nearby public transport links.
In my pursuit of housing, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to popular attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional public transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel between zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since moving between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than rely on the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail provide services to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The expenses of living in Central London are heightened by its major attractions. Luckily, I was attending university with a friend, so we decided to share accommodation, leading to significant rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings, hoping to connect with students from varied backgrounds and of a similar age group—something harder to find in private rentals.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores, like supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be complex. The ethnic communities in London are integral to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for connections to their home country. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The finest areas to reside in London vary according to personal interests and necessities. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of accommodation options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.