Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, my experiences have been enriching. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing choices but also for its diverse communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private housing provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to explore potential living spaces online, showcasing amenities and access to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major sights, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six overlapping zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating simple movements across zones. I aimed to limit travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 per day. Consequently, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services service areas beyond the Underground, reaching zones outside central London. Fees for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London is home to prominent attractions, which contributes to higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s often difficult to find in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby simplifies errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, contributing to its diverse neighborhoods. Many international students seek familiarity with their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the vibrant West End, is a lively district filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods to stay in London depend on your personal preferences and requirements. To locate your new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.