Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though it may not seem like a lengthy duration, I have gathered some perspectives. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a diverse range of housing options and energetic neighborhoods. Students are presented with various alternatives. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing options online, complete with their amenities and closeness to public transit.
While searching for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near major sights, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London has an outstanding transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses low, as moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, so I preferred walking shorter distances over using buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, accessing regions outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The prominent attractions in central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent costs. I chose intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is often harder to find in private rental properties.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time during errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural richness, creating an intricate mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students seek cultural touchstones from their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These neighborhoods serve as merely a few examples of the community spaces available.
The ideal regions to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the city’s diversity and the wealth of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the accessibility and thrill of this extraordinary metropolis.