Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained a lot of insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, celebrated not only for its varied housing options but also for its diverse communities. Students find ample choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Students already living here can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential homes online, showcasing facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a place, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centrally located. London boasts a superb transportation network including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation between zones. I aimed to limit travel expenses, since commuting between zones can reach £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances instead of utilizing buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network into areas outside of central London. Fares for interzone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in higher living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I gravitated towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves a significant amount of time for errands, particularly during the exam period.
Selecting a neighborhood presents its challenges. The ethnic communities in London are a vital part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a taste of familiarity from their home nations in London. Southall in West London hosts a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the ease and vibrancy that this exceptional city offers.