Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month mark of my stay in London. Although nine months is a relatively short period, I’ve picked up several insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, boasting not only varied housing choices but also its rich communities. Students have a plethora of options to explore. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while international students can leverage platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse future lodgings online, assess amenities, and find links to public transport.
While looking for a place to reside, I aimed for a room in Central London to remain in proximity to key attractions, social gathering places, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitate navigation between zones. I tried to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone travel can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have lowered travel costs for university commutes. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services cover regions beyond the Underground system, reaching zones outside the central area. Inter-zone travel fares fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train company. Central London is home to significant attractions, contributing to high living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share accommodation, which greatly reduced our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age, a combination that’s often more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was important to me. Well-known supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London play a vital role in its cultural landscape, creating diverse neighborhoods. Many international students search for the comfort of their home country within London. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal places to live in London vary depending on personal interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.