Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months might not be an extended period, I’ve gained a lot of insights. London is an energetic city, presenting a wide variety of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have numerous options right at their fingertips, with both student housing and private rentals offering alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom let international students browse potential accommodations online, assess amenities, and discover nearby public transport connections.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, vibrant areas, and the Imperial campus. The city consists of six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, given that inter-zonal journeys can be as high as £5.25 each day, opting to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific fare framework employed by each train company. The high living costs in Central London are influenced by its prominent attractions. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room and significantly cut costs on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which would be more challenging to achieve with private properties.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is not an easy task. The ethnic communities of London play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for the comforts of their home country while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End presents a vibrant area with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.