Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago marked my ninth month residing in London. Although nine months isn’t an extensive duration, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge during this time. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied living arrangements but also for its communities. Students have a multitude of options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in previewing their future homes online, checking amenities, and locating the closest public transport connections.
In my quest for a living space, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain near prominent attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal transportation can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card alternatives have made university journeys more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare framework of each train operator. Central London is home to key attractions, which makes living expenses high. Luckily, I enrolled at university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age group, a combination more difficult to find in private properties.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time while running errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, presenting a variety of neighbourhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home country in London. Southall, located in West London, has a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant hub with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are only a few illustrations of community neighbourhoods.
The best places to reside in London rely on your interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.