By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months of residing in London, I’ve gathered various perspectives despite the relatively short duration. London is a dynamic metropolis, known not only for its wide range of housing alternatives but also for its thriving communities. Students are presented with a plethora of options. Both student residences and private housing offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while services like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, complete with their amenities and distances from public transport.
In my housing search, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social scenes, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transportation system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel across the zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 per day. Instead of taking the bus or tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fare costs for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London are largely due to its key attractions. Thankfully, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room and significantly lower our rent. I opted for intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is often less common in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near crucial stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural mosaic, providing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek out familiarity with their native cultures within London. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with multiple Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few representations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London will vary based on personal interests and requirements. As you search for a new home, appreciate the diversity and wealth of London’s accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.