Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I have recently finished nine months of residing in London. Though this may not seem like a long duration, I have acquired several observations. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned for its wide-ranging housing choices and lively communities. Students have an array of options available to them. Student residences and private rentals provide various types such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently coordinate apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, showcasing amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal transit could cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more budget-friendly. 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 differ according to distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The renowned attractions of Central London contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to achieve in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Well-known supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Closeness to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London yearn for a semblance of their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, investigate cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.