Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of residing in London. While it isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve picked up several insights. London is a vibrant city, not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have numerous choices at their disposal. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in checking their future lodgings online, including facilities and closeness to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, my objective was to find a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, 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 a remarkable transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for traveling between zones on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London is replete with prominent attractions, leading to high living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly cut rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to mingle with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was significant for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students search for familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a colorful enclave filled with numerous Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.