Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the milestone of nine months living in London. While this duration may not seem extensive, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives along the way. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its vast range of housing options but also by its eclectic communities. Students are presented with an abundance of choices. Both student residences and private accommodations offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Local students have the convenience of organizing apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring potential housing online, reviewing facilities, and evaluating how close they are to public transport.
In my hunt for a residence, my goal was to lease a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social spots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, inclusive of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it simple to navigate and traverse between different zones. Personally, I sought to minimize commuting expenses since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground’s reach, connecting to zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to split a room, which greatly reduced our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is tougher to locate in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, with more affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Deciding on a neighborhood to reside in can be quite challenging. The ethnic communities in London are integral to its cultural framework, contributing to a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their homelands. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring a variety of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining spots, markets, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are subjective and vary depending on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new abode in London, embrace the range and depth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this remarkable city has to offer.