Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this duration might appear brief, I have acquired several insights throughout this period. London is a dynamic city, showcasing a plethora of diverse housing options and energetic communities. Students have a wide range of choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide various alternatives including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, verify available amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
While searching for a place to reside, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. For me, minimizing travel expenses was a priority since traveling between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use the bus or tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Also, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending into zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London, housing key attractions, tends to have inflated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is often more challenging to discover in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland exist as well. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Choosing a neighborhood poses its challenges. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich diversity of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a semblance of their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Right in the center of London’s West End, Chinatown is a lively area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent just a handful of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation offerings, explore cultural hubs, and take pleasure in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.