Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I achieved the milestone of nine months residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gained valuable perspectives. London is an ever-evolving city, characterized not only by its extensive housing choices but also by its eclectic communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both university housing and private rentals offer various configurations such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared living spaces, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential homes online, showcasing the amenities and closeness to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near key sights, vibrant areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most centralized areas. London features a superior transit system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy movement across zones. I aimed to minimize my commuting expenses since travel between zones can amount to £5.25 per day. Therefore, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on bus or tube services. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university travels more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground areas, reaching regions outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services differ according to distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The city’s prominent attractions contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, substantially lowering our rental costs. I opted for intercollegiate accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which would be more difficult through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines everyday tasks, especially during busy exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural mosaic, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their cultural heritage while in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population, featuring Indian dining venues, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal locations for residing in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place in this vibrant city, embrace the diversity and abundance of housing opportunities, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and excitement this exceptional city has to offer.