Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like much time, I’ve gained significant insights. London is a vibrant city, not only for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students have a plethora of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, assess amenities, and discover nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to major landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation and travel between zones. I intended to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, options with an oyster card have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policy of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London are influenced by its major attractions. Fortunately, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to significant rental savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from different backgrounds and of the same age group, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is daunting. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home cultures in London. Southall, in West London, is home to a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to live in London vary based on individual interests and requirements. To secure a new home in London, take advantage of its diverse housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.