Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though this period may seem brief, I have gained considerable insight during this time. London is a vibrant place, offering not only a variety of housing options but also a mix of communities. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Both student accommodation and private housing provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can promptly organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing options online, review available facilities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my pursuit of accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social scenes, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an exceptional transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to commute and travel across zones. I aimed to reduce travel expenses since shifting between zones can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card alternatives have lowered costs for university commuting. Beyond the Underground, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond central London. Ticket prices for these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of each railway company. The main attractions in Central London contribute to high living expenses. Thankfully, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly decreasing the rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, wishing to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and age groups, a combination harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to critical shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic groups are fundamental to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich array of varied communities. Numerous international students seek places that resonate with their home cultures in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel retailers. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal locations to reside in London rely on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, embrace its diversity and vast range of housing options, explore cultural hotspots, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.