Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated the nine-month mark of my stay in London. While this duration may appear brief, I have acquired several observations throughout this period. London is an energetic metropolis, known not only for its vast selection of housing options but also for the variety of communities that call it home. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both university accommodation and private housing present different alternatives including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, inspect amenities, and evaluate their proximity to public transport.
During my housing search, my objective was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for easy travel and navigation between zones. Personally, I was keen to minimize travel expenditures, as inter-zonal commuting can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services are determined by distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London’s prominent attractions contribute to high living expenses. Fortunately, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly reducing our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mixture that is challenging to find in private rentals.
Being located near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, as well as more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in its cultural context, providing a vibrant mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home countries. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is known for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London vary according to personal interests and requirements. When hunting for new accommodation in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural precincts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.