Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve gathered a number of insights. London is an energetic city, notable not only for its varied housing selections but also for its diverse communities. Students have countless options available at their fingertips. Both student residences and personal accommodations offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and standalone rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential lodgings online, showcasing amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social gathering spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transportation network is superb, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zone journeys can amount to £5.25 daily. Instead of utilizing a bus or tube, I opted to walk short distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside of Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these lines differ based on distance and each train company’s fare system. Central London is home to significant attractions, contributing to high living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, substantially reducing our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. The prevalent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; budget-friendly alternatives consist of Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is no simple task. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, showcasing a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home nations in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a prominent South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, presents a bustling locale filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and needs. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural hubs, and enjoy the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.