Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I’ve completed nine months of residing in London. While it’s not an extensive period, I’ve gained a considerable amount of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, celebrated not only for its extensive range of housing options but also for its multicultural environments. Students are offered a myriad of choices. Student accommodations and private rentals provide an array of selections, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio apartments, and house share arrangements. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective homes online, detailing the offered amenities and closeness to public transit.
During my housing search, I sought to lease a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social attractions, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a remarkable transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can be as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, serving regions outside central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in central London’s popular attractions present a challenge. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend tougher to find in private rentals.
It was essential for me to live near grocery stores. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on daily tasks, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students pursue a sense of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian community, populated with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean demographic and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residence in London are contingent on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place to call home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural hubs, and revel in the convenience and vitality of this extraordinary city.