Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not be an extensive period, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is an energetic city, not merely for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have numerous choices readily available. Both student housing and private accommodations provide a variety of selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to explore their prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and locate the nearest public transport connections.
In my quest for a residence, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional public transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London hosts major landmarks, contributing to high living costs. Luckily, I was attending university alongside a friend, so we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies minimizes time spent on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are an integral part of its cultural essence, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek familiarity from their home nations while in London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, offers a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These represent just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.