Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I commemorated my nine-month mark in London. While this timeframe may seem brief, I’ve gained a wealth of experience. This vibrant city presents an extensive array of living arrangements and multicultural communities. Students encounter numerous options available to them, ranging from student residences to private housing, with amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective accommodations online, evaluate amenities, and access public transport links.
In my search for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. Navigating London is facilitated by its transport system, including the underground, buses, and trains, allowing easy travel across zones. To keep travel expenses minimal, as inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 daily, I opted for short walks over public transport. Oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services venture beyond the Underground framework, encompassing areas outside central London. Ticket prices differ depending on distance and the fare structure of each rail operator. The higher living costs in Central London arise from its numerous prominent attractions. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate housing to connect with students of varying backgrounds and ages, which is more challenging with private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The convenience of having vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tricky. London’s diverse ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural identity, presenting a multitude of neighborhoods. Many international students desire a sense of connection to their home nations. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with a plethora of Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and fashion boutiques. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music culture. Chinatown in the West End boasts an abundance of Chinese dining establishments, stores, and cultural experiences. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon your personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new dwelling, embrace London’s varied accommodation offerings, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and revel in the city’s convenience and vibrancy.