Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of living in London. While this duration may seem brief, I have gathered some valuable experiences. London is a vibrant city, not just for its array of housing options but also for its various communities. Students have a plethora of alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private rentals feature choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring potential living spaces online, complete with their amenities and proximity to public transit.
While on the quest for a home, my objective was to secure a room in Central London, ensuring close proximity to major landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and commute between zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made university travel more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structures of respective train companies. The high living expenses in Central London stem from its many attractions. Thankfully, I attended the university alongside a friend, and we decided to share accommodation, leading to considerable rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student lodgings, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and close in age, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, but there are more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Choosing an area to live in can be daunting. The ethnic communities within London are crucial to its cultural essence, providing a rich mix of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries when in London. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. In your quest for accommodation in London, savour the diverse and rich array of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.