Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of my stay in London. While this duration may not be long, I’ve gathered some experiences. London is an energetic city, presenting a broad range of housing opportunities and dynamic communities. Students have plenty of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals feature choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore potential housing options online, along with their features and access to public transport.
During my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be close to key sights, social venues, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London has a top-notch transportation network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to get around and travel between zones. To minimize travel expenses, which can be as high as £5.25 per day for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, options like the oyster card have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside central London. Ticket prices for these services vary according to distance and the pricing policies of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to split a room, greatly alleviating rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is trickier to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living nearby vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural identity, presenting a rich array of diverse areas. Many international students look for elements akin to their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling district with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place to live in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its housing choices, delve into cultural communities, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.