Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it may not seem like a long time, I have gained several insights during my stay. London is a dynamic metropolis, providing a vast range of housing opportunities and vibrant neighborhoods. Students have a plethora of options available to them, including student residences and private lodgings featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while resources such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, including details about amenities and access to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation and travel among the zones. To cut down on travel expenses, as cross-zonal trips can reach up to £5.25 per day, I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network into areas outside central London, with fares varying by distance and train company rates. The high living costs in Central London stem from its major attractions, but I significantly lowered my rent by sharing a room with a fellow university student. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is often trickier to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with lower-cost alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s diverse ethnic communities are a crucial element of its cultural fabric, showcasing varied neighborhoods. Many international students search for a sense of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and eclectic music scene. Chinatown, located in the vibrant West End of London, is filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are merely a sampling of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place in London, welcome the diversity and richness of accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.