Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I completed nine months in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable experience during this period. London is a lively city, not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its various communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private accommodations provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private 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 accommodations online, review amenities, and find connections to public transport.
While searching for a rental room, I aimed for a location in Central London to remain close to main attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an efficient transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across the zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel could reach up to £5.25 daily. Consequently, I opted for walking over taking a bus or tube for short distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services expand into areas beyond the Underground system, reaching zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare schemes of individual train operators. Central London features major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly decreased our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and the same age group, a mix that’s harder to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, providing a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Most international students in London seek to find a sense of familiarity with their home country. Southall, located in West London, is characterized by a large South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave packed with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London are contingent on individual interests and requirements. To locate a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.