Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I have gained considerable insights. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its varied housing choices but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options readily available. Both student lodgings and private residences provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to check potential accommodations online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transport links.
In my quest for a place to reside, I aspired to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the central areas. London’s transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation throughout the city and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can cost up to £5.25 daily, opting to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structures of each train company. The elevated living expenses in Central London stem from its numerous major attractions. Thankfully, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we decided to share accommodations, greatly reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to engage with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, showcasing a rich tapestry of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek connections to their home cultures. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant musical culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of communal neighborhoods.
The best areas to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.