Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although this duration may seem brief, I’ve gained several insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its communities. Students have a plethora of options available nearby. Both student accommodations and private housing feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can swiftly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in examining their prospective homes online, highlighting amenities and public transport connections.
In my search for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London, allowing me to be near prominent sites, social scenes, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates movement and travel across zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel differ based on distance and the fare policy of each train operator. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which greatly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that’s harder to come by in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more economical choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing diverse residential areas. Many international students search for familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population with Indian dining options, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling locale filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new home in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.