Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of living in London. While it may not seem like a lengthy period, I have gathered some insights throughout this journey. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable for its various housing options as well as its communities. Students have a multitude of choices available to them. Both student residences and private rentals offer an array of options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living arrangements online, along with the amenities and their distance to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an excellent public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making navigation and travel between zones simple. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day, so I preferred to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Living in Central London comes with high living costs due to major attractions in the area. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room and significantly reduce our rent. I selected intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which can be harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with less expensive alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The close proximity to essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps to save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, providing a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students search for familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to live in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of accommodation options, discover cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.