Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights. London thrives as a vibrant city, both for its wide array of living options and its bustling communities. Students have numerous alternatives readily available. Student accommodations and private rentals present a selection of amenities, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and identify nearby public transport links.
In my search for housing, I was focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two considered the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal trips could reach up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on bus or tube services. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. Central London features significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I had a university friend to share the accommodation, significantly reducing our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student housing, anticipating a chance to interact with classmates from various backgrounds and of a similar age, a blend that may be challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial aspect of its cultural landscape, offering a rich mosaic of diverse areas. Many international students in London look for a connection to their home country. Southall in West London is known for its significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Found in London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling area rich with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These represent merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to live in London vary depending on your preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new place in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.