Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although it’s not a long duration, I’ve learned a great deal. London is a vibrant metropolis, providing a plethora of housing alternatives and varied communities. Students have a wide array of options available. Both student accommodations and private lodgings feature amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to view prospective homes online, check facilities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my endeavor to find a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London for easy access to major attractions, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. London features an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing for seamless navigation and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone travel can amount to £5.25 per day. I decided to walk short distances rather than use the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London are due to its major attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly reducing our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam time.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, offering a rich blend of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students search for connections to their home countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal districts to live in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.