Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching nine months of my stay in London. While nine months may seem brief, I have gained a wealth of experience during this period. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer a range of options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, review amenities, and assess their accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an exceptional transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitate easy navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to minimize travel expenses since moving between zones could cost up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk short distances instead of using a bus or the tube. However, the oyster card options have significantly reduced commuting costs for university trips. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas that lie outside the central zones. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living expenses in Central London are attributed to its prominent attractions. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets in the area include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, as well as more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near pivotal stores like grocery shops and pharmacies is a time-saver, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be overwhelming. The city’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London long for the familiarity of their homeland. Southall, located in West London, has a substantial South Asian community with an array of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music culture. Chinatown, in the center of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.