Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of my stay in London. While it’s not an extensive period, I have picked up a few insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of its many communities. Students enjoy numerous choices available right at their doorstep. Both student accommodations and private lodgings offer a range of possibilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review amenities, and locate the closest public transport routes.
In my search for a residence, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, 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 outstanding transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and inter-zonal travel. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can go up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, the availability of oyster card options has made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend past the Underground network, serving areas beyond central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The expense of living in Central London is heightened by its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which led to significant rent savings. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to meet peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland also exist. Being near essential shops, like supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tricky. The ethnic communities in London are a fundamental part of its cultural identity, showcasing a rich diversity across neighborhoods. Many international students wish to find a semblance of their home country within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, serves as a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. While looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation alternatives, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.