Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I have completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem like a long duration, I have gained a lot of insights. London is an energetic city, not only for its array of housing selections but also for its rich tapestry of communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange for apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible living spaces online, assess amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key sights, social spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel could cost up to £5.25 per day. Instead of utilizing a bus or tube for short distances, I chose to walk. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, services like London Overground and National Rail extend beyond the Underground system, servicing areas outside central London. Fare rates for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing framework of each train operator. The high living costs in central London stem from its main attractions. Luckily, I shared a room with a friend from university, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age group, a mix that is harder to find in private properties.
Being near grocery shops was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside less expensive options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a challenging task. London’s ethnic communities are an integral aspect of its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for a connection to their homeland while in London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is noted for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The best locales to reside in London are contingent on your personal preferences and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.