Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may not seem like a long time, I’ve obtained some useful perspectives throughout my stay. London is a bustling metropolis, rich not only in its array of housing choices but also in its multitude of communities. Students have plenty of options to select from. Both student accommodations and private housing offer features like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential housing options online, along with the amenities available and their closeness to public transport.
While searching for living arrangements, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near major landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. London is divided into six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an exceptional transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and travel between the zones. Personally, I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since moving between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I preferred walking short distances over taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university travel more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London contribute to relatively high living costs. Luckily, going to university with a friend allowed us to share a room, greatly reducing rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is harder to find in private residences.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies speeds up errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a significant challenge. The ethnic communities of London play a crucial role in its cultural identity, offering a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a taste of their home cultures. Southall in West London is home to a sizeable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. In your quest for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural hotspots, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.