Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not a lengthy time frame, I have gathered some perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, recognized not only for its extensive range of housing choices but also for its multifaceted communities. Students enjoy a plethora of options available to them. Both student accommodation and private rentals provide a variety of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily set up viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to search for potential homes online, including their amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, vibrant social scenes, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. London features an exceptional transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and movement between zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or tubes. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made getting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, accessing zones outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services differ according to distance and the fare structure of each train operating company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share accommodations, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing, hoping to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for my needs. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with less expensive options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time for errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial element of its cultural identity, presenting a rich framework of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for the comfort of their native countries. Southall, located in West London, is home to a large South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and shops selling traditional attire. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new home in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its living arrangements, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.