Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although it’s not a long duration, I’ve gained plenty of wisdom along the way. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its diverse housing options but also by its varied communities. Students are presented with a wide array of choices. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, complete with details about amenities and access to public transit.
During my quest for housing, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near significant attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city consists of six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy movement and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to keep travel costs down as inter-zone fares can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, addressing areas outside the central regions. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. Central London’s famous sights contribute to steep living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly lowering rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from different backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, creating a vibrant mosaic of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community, offering Indian eateries, grocery markets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area featuring numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on individual tastes and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.