Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although it may not appear extensive, I’ve gathered some valuable observations during this period. London is a dynamic city, presenting a broad range of accommodations and lively communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings offer selections that include ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse prospective accommodations online, verify amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I intended to rent a room in Central London to stay near prominent landmarks, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features an outstanding transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and traveling between zones easy. I focused on minimizing travel expenses since traveling between zones can accumulate costs up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services depend on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. The costs of living near Central London’s main attractions can be steep. Luckily, attending university with a friend allowed us to share a room, which substantially lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with students from various backgrounds and similar age brackets, a mix that’s more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on running errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse communities are core to its cultural landscape, presenting a colorful array of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for similarities with their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, showcasing Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural celebrations. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London largely depend on personal preferences and requirements. In your pursuit of a new home in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of housing alternatives, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.