Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I have gained several insights. London thrives as a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by its rich communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private living arrangements present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential homes online, explore amenities, and access public transport links.
During my hunt for a place to stay, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to remain close to significant tourist sites, social areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a remarkable public transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing for easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more affordable. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the fare structures of various train operators. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in higher living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, leading to significant rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, something that would have been more challenging with private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. The ethnic communities within London contribute significantly to its cultural diversity, resulting in varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a sense of familiarity with their home country while in London. Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the West End is filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural experiences. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When in pursuit of a new dwelling in London, embrace the city’s diversity and variety of accommodation choices, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.