Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve picked up several insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, known not just for its varied housing options but also for its communities. Students find a wealth of choices readily available. Both student residences and private rentals provide amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, check facilities, and access public transport links.
During my apartment hunt, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to stay close to key 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’s transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for easy navigation throughout the city. I intended to cut down on travel expenses since moving between zones could amount to £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk short distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have reduced commute costs for university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services also reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares differ based on distance and the pricing policies of individual train companies. The expense of living in Central London is driven up by the city’s major tourist spots. Thankfully, attending university with a friend permitted us to share accommodation, which considerably eased our rent burden. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a connectivity that might not have been as easily achieved through private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during the exam period.
Selecting a neighborhood can be challenging. London’s ethnic communities play a significant role in its cultural landscape, resulting in diverse neighborhoods. Countless international students gravitate towards familiar cultural enclaves reminiscent of their home countries. Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community, replete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London boasts a thriving Afro-Caribbean community alongside a dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are merely a few examples of the community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London rely on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new residence in London, embrace the vast array and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.