Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of my stay in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained a substantial amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant metropolis, celebrated not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its various communities. Students are presented with numerous choices. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, whereas tools like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, verify facilities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near primary attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most centralized. London’s transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel among zones. To lower travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travels more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services connect areas beyond the Underground network, reaching into zones outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare configurations set by each train company. The high living costs in central London are influenced by its major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we made the choice to share a room, leading to significant rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is trickier to find in private properties.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood proves to be difficult. London’s ethnic communities constitute an important aspect of its cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for connections to their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, boasts an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a small sample of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas for living in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When embarking on the search for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its accommodation choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.