Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve gained various insights. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a multitude of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have a vast array of selections available. Both student residences and private accommodations offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to investigate potential accommodations online, review available amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
During my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is divided into six circular zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and commute between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone travel fares can reach up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travel significantly more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I went to university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly lowering our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age brackets, a combination challenging to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, whereas more affordable choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for familiarity from their home nations while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is an animated enclave filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.