Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I have gathered some observations. This city is vibrant, offering not only a plethora of living arrangements but also a variety of communities. Students have a wide range of choices available. Both university halls and private housing feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily arrange to view apartments, while online platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations from afar, highlighting amenities and access to public transport.
In my search for housing, my goal 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 zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it simple to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. Instead of taking the bus or tube, I decided to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for these services depend on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. The high cost of living in central London is due to its prominent attractions. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to split a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate housing to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that’s more difficult to encounter in private accommodations.
Living close to supermarkets was important to me. Common grocery chain stores include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a semblance of their home country in London. Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian population with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and necessities. When hunting for a new place in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.