Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months living in London. Though it might not appear lengthy, I’ve gained a lot of insight. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its wide range of housing choices but also for its multicultural populace. Students enjoy a multitude of options. Both university housing and private rentals present choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment visits, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential residences online, detailing amenities and access to public transit.
During my housing search, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an impressive transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and transit between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 per day. Instead of using buses or the tube for short trips, I decided to walk. Nevertheless, options such as oyster cards have reduced commuting costs for university students. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, encompassing zones outside of Central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare policies. The cost of living in Central London’s prime attractions is notably high. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which considerably decreased our rent expenditures. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, with hopes of connecting with peers from varying backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix often harder to encounter in privately rented properties.
Being near supermarkets was essential to me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to important stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errand-running, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s diverse communities are integral to its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London yearn for the comfort of their home country. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively area filled with numerous Chinese dining establishments, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.