Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Despite the relatively short duration, I have gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, characterized not only by its myriad of housing options but also by its varied communities. Students have a plethora of alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private rentals present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, including details about amenities and closeness to public transport.
During my search for a place to stay, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near significant landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an exemplary public transport system featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel and navigation across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone journeys could reach up to £5.25 daily. I preferred to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to areas outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structures employed by each train operator. Central London is lined with prominent attractions, which drives living costs up. Fortunately, I joined the university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly cutting our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets in the area include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s multicultural communities are a vital aspect of its cultural landscape, providing diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity reminiscent of their home countries. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community with various Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, boasts a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a handful of examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing choices, investigate cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.