Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem like a long time, I’ve obtained some knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, remarkable not only for its varied housing options but also its lively communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student residences and private housing provide an array of selections such as ensuite and suite toilets, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, detailing the facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes commuting and traveling between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling across zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made trips to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground system, reaching zones beyond central London. Costs for inter-zone travel on these modes vary depending on distance and the fare system of each train operator. The high demand for central London’s prime attractions contributes to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, going to university with a friend permitted us to share a room, greatly easing rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student residences to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is more challenging to find in privately rented spaces.
Being near grocery outlets was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential shops such as groceries and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a sense of familiarity resembling their home nations. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. In the search for new housing in London, embrace the variety and depth of its living options, investigate cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and exhilaration of this extraordinary city.