Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I’ve gathered a few perspectives. London is an energetic metropolis, presenting a wide range of housing alternatives and lively neighborhoods. Students have countless options readily available, from student residences to private lodgings with ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solitary rooms, studio flats, and communal houses. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, verify facilities, and evaluate distance to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s comprehensive transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it easy to navigate and traverse between zones. To economize on travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can escalate to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. The Oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching zones outside the central area, with ticket prices varying according to distance and the fare structure of train operators. High living expenses in Central London are driven by its major attractions. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodation, thus significantly lowering our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mix that is often harder to achieve in private rentals.
Being close to supermarkets was important to me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are essential to its cultural essence, providing a rich array of diverse areas. Numerous international students look for familiarity with their native countries in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London boasts a prominent Afro-Caribbean community and a dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with numerous Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of vibrant community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London largely depend on personal preferences and requirements. While on the hunt for new accommodations in London, embrace the variety and vibrancy of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.