Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, I have gained significant insights. London is an energetic metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also its diverse communities. Students have numerous choices available right at their feet. Both student residences and private housing provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and communal houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible accommodations online, review amenities, and identify nearby public transit options.
In my pursuit of accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London for proximity to major attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transportation network, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize transportation expenses since inter-zonal travel fees can reach £5.25 daily. I decided to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, Oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, services like London Overground and National Rail extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the central parts of London. Fares for travel across zones on these services depend on distance and each train company’s fare system. Central London boasts numerous major attractions, which results in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, significantly cutting our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a blend that is often less accessible in private homes.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are a key component of its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of distinct neighborhoods. Many international students search for a sense of familiarity reminiscent of their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, has a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London largely depend on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.