Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like an extended period, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is a dynamic city, characterized not only by its wide range of housing options but also its lively communities. Students are presented with numerous alternatives. Both student residences and private housing feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom facilitate international students in finding potential residences online, reviewing amenities, and considering their nearness to public transport.
In my quest for a place to stay, my goal was to rent a room in Central London, aiming to be near major attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and movement across zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses since journeys between zones could cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to the university more economical. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services connect areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the core of London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these modes differ based on distance and each train company’s fare schedule. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Fortunately, I went to university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination not easily found in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood to live in can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural landscape, providing a rich assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries within London. Southall in West London has a considerable South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area abundant with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to stay in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into the cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.