Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I hit my nine-month mark in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve absorbed a lot during this time. London is a dynamic metropolis, offering not just a variety of housing options but also a blend of cultures. Students here have countless choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals provide selections like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, review amenities, and evaluate nearby public transport options.
While seeking a living space, my goal was to rent a room in Central London, ensuring proximity to key attractions, social hot spots, and the Imperial campus. The city is split into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network, which includes the underground, buses, and trains, simplifies movement and travels between zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on buses or the tube, I opted to walk short distances. However, oyster card options have helped in making university commutes more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending beyond central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare model of each train operator. Major attractions in Central London contribute to heightened living costs. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, an experience that would have been less accessible through private properties.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside lower-cost options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. The convenience of being close to necessary shops like supermarkets and pharmacies simplifies running errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, presenting a multitude of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home culture in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a sizable South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the center of London’s West End, features an array of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a fraction of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary according to personal tastes and necessities. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and richness in accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.