Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have absorbed a substantial amount. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only because of its range of housing opportunities but also due to its varied communities. There are plentiful choices for students. Both student residences and private lodgings feature options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, along with their facilities and distance from public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social hubs, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the heart of it all. London has a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying movement between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground network into areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare systems of each train company. The high cost of living around London’s prominent attractions is a significant factor. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend at university allowed us to split rent, which considerably lowered our living expenses. I preferred collegial student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Close proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood for residency is a daunting task. London’s various ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural fabric, presenting a plethora of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their native cultures. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a bustling spot filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural activities. These examples highlight some of the community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place to live in London, revel in the diversity and depth of its housing choices, discover cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.