Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of my stay in London. Although this period is relatively short, I have gained a considerable amount of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized not only by its variety of housing options but also by its dynamic communities. Students are presented with numerous choices right at their doorstep. Both university accommodations and private housing provide features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in viewing potential places to live online, showcasing amenities and their distance from public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near popular landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city consists of six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. London boasts an outstanding transport system that encompasses the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies moving around and traversing between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since cross-zone travel can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted for walking shorter distances instead of using buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside the city center. Ticket prices for cross-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and the pricing models of different train operators. Central London presents significant attractions, leading to higher living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which greatly reduced our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time for errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. The ethnic communities in London are integral to its cultural landscape, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London desire a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall, located in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a vibrant district filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of its housing options, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.