Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have spent nine months residing in London. Although this timeframe is not extensive, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a wide variety of housing options and communities. Students are presented with numerous alternatives to select from. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview their future homes online, alongside the facilities and public transport connections.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London’s transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel may cost as much as £5.25 daily, leading me to choose walking short distances over using the bus or tube. Oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services access areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London boasts major attractions, which contributes to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is tougher to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. The diverse ethnic communities of London are fundamental to its cultural essence, offering a multitude of neighborhoods. Many international students search for connections to their home countries while in London. Southall, in West London, features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located 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-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent upon your preferences and requirements. When seeking new housing in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.