Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive duration, I’ve gained valuable perspectives throughout this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of selections available. Both student residences and private living arrangements offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while portals like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, assessing features and distance to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London for easy access to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London boasts an impressive transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to move around and travel among zones. To reduce travel expenses, which can amount to £5.25 daily for inter-zonal journeys, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The cost of living in Central London is high due to its major attractions. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which greatly lowered our rent payments. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are a vital aspect of its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comforts of their homeland while in London. Southall, located in West London, houses a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural gatherings. These exemplify just a selection of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing choices, investigate cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.