Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of my stay in London. Although nine months might seem brief, I’ve gained a considerable amount of experience in that time. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized not only by its wide range of housing options but also by its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing provide various options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can readily organize apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, review available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London offers a superb transportation network that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and move between zones. Personally, I wanted to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. Instead of using the bus or tube for short distances, I chose to walk. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made it more economical to commute to university. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, servicing areas outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the specific tariff structure of each train operating company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which considerably lessened our rent burdens. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is more challenging to find in private housing.
It was essential for me to live near grocery stores. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be difficult. The city’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek familiar environments reflective of their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the center of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal interests and needs. When looking for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement that this extraordinary city has to offer.