Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although my time here has been brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its variety of housing options but also for its vibrant communities. There are numerous nearby choices for students. Both student residences and private rentals present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to view prospective housing online, explore amenities, and access public transport links.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking public transport. However, oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground, extending to zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the fare structures of individual train companies. Central London features significant attractions, contributing to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, allowing us to share a room and significantly cut down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds within the same age range, a combination that is often less accessible in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was important for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be demanding. The ethnic communities in London are pivotal to its cultural landscape, presenting a range of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London desire a connection to their homeland. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population with a variety of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, stands as a lively hub filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural occasions. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, take pride in the diversity and abundance of housing alternatives, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.