Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this might appear brief, I have acquired several insights during this period. London is a dynamic city, known not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students possess a wide array of choices. Both student housing and private rentals offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, examine amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel among zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal trips can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card solutions have made commuting for university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services access areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. The fares for inter-zone journeys on these services vary by distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The high costs of living in Central London are influenced by the abundance of major attractions. Luckily, attending university with a friend permitted us to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and of similar age, a combination that is harder to find in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a tough task. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural landscape, presenting diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries within London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. This is just a snapshot of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London depend on personal interests and needs. To locate a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing selections, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.