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 a long period, I’ve gained a considerable amount of knowledge. London is a vibrant city, renowned not only for its extensive housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them, with both student housing and private accommodations featuring amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore future housing online, assess available features, and discover local public transport connections.
During my search for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London for easy access to major attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates movement and travel between zones. To lower my travel costs, as inter-zonal fares can reach up to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of using the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services cover regions beyond the Underground system, reaching out to zones outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services vary according to distance and the fare structures of individual train companies. The high living expenses in Central London are influenced by its prominent attractions. Fortunately, I attended university along with a friend, and together we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from diverse backgrounds within the same age range, a blend that is more difficult to find in private accommodations.
Being close to grocery stores was a priority for me. Common supermarket options include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite challenging. The ethnic communities in London play an integral role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of familiarity from their home countries. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on one’s interests and needs. When looking for a new home in this city, embrace the diversity and richness of the housing choices available, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.