Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I have gained considerable insights. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a multitude of housing choices and lively communities. Students have an array of alternatives available. Both student residences and private housing offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible accommodations online, review available facilities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for living arrangements, I targeted renting a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s outstanding transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation throughout the city and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card alternatives have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs near Central London’s main attractions can be daunting. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room and achieve substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be quite intricate. The city’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, presenting a rich array of varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity reminiscent of their home countries within London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area full of numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples highlight just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.