Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of living in London. While this may seem brief, I have acquired several observations. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a wide array of housing options and lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Student residences and private housing offer various configurations like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, inspect amenities, and evaluate their distance to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, I targeted a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social areas, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel among zones. I preferred walking short distances to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 per day. Oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services operate beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London, with fares varying by distance and operator. The significant attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which substantially lowered our rent. I selected intercollegiate student housing to interact with students from a variety of backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Choosing a neighborhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities in London are fundamental to its cultural tapestry, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in central London’s West End, is an energetic quarter filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of housing choices, explore cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.