Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Though it may not be a long duration, I’ve gained some valuable experiences. London is an energetic metropolis, offering an array of accommodation choices and a variety of cultures. Students find themselves with numerous options available. Both student housing and private rentals provide facilities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment tours, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible living arrangements online, including amenities and access to public transport.
As I looked for a place to live, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it simple to move around and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling across zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made traveling to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching regions outside of central London. Fares for these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare policies of individual train companies. The presence of significant attractions in Central London contributes to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, greatly alleviating rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more economical alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland also exist. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a vibrant mix of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their home cultures. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the centre of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighbourhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of the city’s accommodation options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.