Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I’ve completed nine months of residence in London. Though it may seem brief, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is an energetic metropolis, offering not just a wide range of housing options but also a rich array of communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, review facilities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The metropolis is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal travel can cost up to £5.25 each day. I decided to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university journeys more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zones. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and pricing structures of individual train operators. The cost of living in Central London is elevated due to its major attractions. Fortunately, attending university with a friend allowed us to cohabit, significantly lowering rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is more challenging to find in private housing.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural atmosphere, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their native countries. Southall in West London is home to a significant 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 culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, features an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. To secure a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.