Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive period, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is an energetic city, not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its lively communities. Students are presented with numerous options right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing provide a variety of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future accommodations online, assess amenities, and locate the nearest public transportation links.
In my quest for accommodation, my target was a room in Central London to remain in proximity to major attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 per day. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services connect areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones that are outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London is home to prominent attractions, which contributes to higher living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often more difficult to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Choosing a neighborhood poses a considerable challenge. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for a sense of familiarity with their home country while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London depend entirely on your interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and liveliness of this extraordinary city.