Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of living in London. While this may not be a long time, I have gathered some experiences. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing options and a variety of communities. Students have a multitude of selections available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment tours, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing options online, review available amenities, and evaluate distance to public transit.
As I sought accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which aids in seamless navigation and travel among zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can amount to as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk small distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside Central London. Tickets for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train operator’s pricing structure. The prominent attractions in Central London add to the high cost of living. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which substantially lowered our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential places like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on daily tasks, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse areas. Many international students in London look for a sense of connection to their homeland. Southall in West London is known for its extensive South Asian community, hosting Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are only a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When undertaking your search for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing selections, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.