Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While this period may seem brief, I’ve gathered a wealth of experiences. London is an energetic metropolis, enriched not only by its varied housing choices but also by its multicultural populace. Students find themselves with a plethora of options. Both student residences and private living arrangements offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can arrange viewings of apartments with ease, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential places online, complete with their facilities and closeness to public transport.
During my housing hunt, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six ringed zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a robust transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies movement and travel across zones. Personally, I was keen on minimizing travel costs because traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I opted for walking short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university much more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services span beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the city’s core. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of the different train operators. The significant attractions in Central London lead to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to cohabit, greatly reducing our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and the same age group, a diversity that’s often harder to find in private accommodations.
For me, being near grocery stores was imperative. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential places like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own set of challenges. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their native culture. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for residence in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place to live in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its living options, delve into cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.