Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of living in London. While this timeframe may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable for its wide range of housing options and thriving communities. Students find myriad possibilities right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective homes online, review the amenities offered, and discover the nearest public transport connections.
During my hunt for accommodation, I aimed to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating effortless navigation and travel across zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal travel could amount to £5.25 each day. Thus, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these modes differ based on distance and the fare policies of each railway operator. Central London features significant attractions, incurring elevated living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I favored residing in intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its challenges. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, creating a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their homeland. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian presence with Indian eateries, grocery markets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
Choosing the ideal areas to reside in London relies on personal interests and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.