Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months in London. While this time frame may not be lengthy, it has been sufficient to gain some insights. London is a bustling metropolis, providing a plethora of housing alternatives and lively neighborhoods. Students have a myriad of options available to them, which include student residences and private rentals featuring amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential lodgings online, verify amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to lease a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes traveling between zones straightforward. To cut down on travel expenses, since inter-zonal fares can be as high as £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than utilizing buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground, reaching areas outside central London, with ticket prices varying by distance and the fare guidelines of each train provider. The attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, sharing a room with a friend while attending university allowed us to significantly lessen our rent expenses. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, which is often more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Easy access to critical stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time during errands, especially during exam seasons.
Choosing a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are core to its cultural richness, presenting a fascinating array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek to find familiarity with their home cultures within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a prominent South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, found in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to live in London are contingent upon personal preferences and needs. When searching for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.