Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though it may not seem lengthy, I’ve gained some insights. London is dynamic, not only in its varied housing alternatives but also in its communities. Students have numerous options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring prospective housing online, checking amenities, and locating links to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I intended to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone trips can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail routes serve areas beyond the Underground system, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare structure for each train company. Central London features numerous major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds within the same age group, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, presenting diverse neighborhoods. The majority of international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall, in West London, has a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, is a lively enclave filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on your personal interests and requirements. To discover a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.