Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though this is a relatively short period, I’ve picked up several insights. London pulses with energy, owing to its varied housing options and vibrant communities. Students have a wealth of choices, from dedicated student living to private rentals, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to scout potential homes online, showcasing amenities and transport connections.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the core. London’s transit network, which encompasses the underground, buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement across the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as commuting between zones can reach as much as £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking public transport. Nonetheless, the oyster card options have made university travel more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground, covering areas outside central London, with prices fluctuating based on distance and the respective train company’s fare framework. The cost of living near Central London’s main attractions tends to be elevated. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted for a shared room, allowing us to cut down considerably on rent. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, something that would have been tougher via private accommodations.
Being close to grocery outlets was essential to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to fundamental stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time, particularly during the exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a plethora of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students strive to find a semblance of their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community with an array of Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, right in the center of London’s West End, boasts countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These represent just a handful of community-centric areas.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. As you embark on the journey of finding a new abode in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.