Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I reached the milestone of nine months residing in London. While nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained some insights during this period. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied housing options but also for its diverse communities. Students have numerous choices right at their fingertips. Both student housing and private accommodations provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring their future accommodations online, showcasing available amenities and their distance from public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I sought a room to rent in Central London, aiming to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an excellent public transportation system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates ease of movement across zones. I personally wanted to cut down on my travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can amount to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have significantly reduced commuting costs for university students. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and the specific fare structure of each train operating company. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in extremely high living costs. Luckily, I was enrolled in university alongside a friend, so we opted to share a room, leading to considerable rental savings. I favored staying in intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and the same age group, a mix that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during busy exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in poses a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities form a vital aspect of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mix of distinctive neighborhoods. Most international students in London seek the comfort of their home country’s familiarity. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Situated within London’s West End, Chinatown stands out as a lively area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London are contingent upon individual preferences and needs. To discover a new place in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing selections, explore the cultural hotspots, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.