Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of my stay in London. While it may not seem like a long duration, I have gained a considerable amount of knowledge. London is an energetic city, notable not only for its diverse housing options but also for its varied communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing present options including ensuite bathrooms, suite bathrooms, shared rooms, private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective accommodations online, showcasing amenities and location relative to public transportation.
During my search for a place, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London has an exceptional public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone trips can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system into outer zones. Costs for inter-zone travel fluctuate based on distance and the pricing schemes of each train operator. The high living expenses in Central London are driven by its many major attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is more challenging to find in private properties.
Residing close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, offering a range of neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home culture in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown in the West End is dotted with a plethora of Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and variety of accommodation choices, dive into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.