Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not seem like a long time, I’ve discovered a number of insights throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, not only because of its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students are presented with a multitude of choices. Student accommodations and private rentals provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and separate rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore their future residences online, assess amenities, and locate the closest public transport routes.
During my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay near notable landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone journeys can amount to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare policy of each train company. Central London is home to numerous attractions, which leads to higher living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a challenging decision. London’s multicultural communities are vital to its cultural essence, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall in West London has a prominent South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional garment shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London rely on your interests and requirements. In your hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.