Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days back, I reached the nine-month milestone of my time in London. Although it might not appear to be a lengthy duration, I’ve gained several insights throughout this experience. London is an energetic and multicultural metropolis, not only regarding its housing options but also concerning the varied communities that inhabit it. Students have a broad array of accommodation choices available to them, ranging from student housing to private rentals, with options including ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange in-person viewings, while international students can utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore properties online, examine amenities, and evaluate their proximity to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, I concentrated on locating a room for rent in Central London. My goal was to be near the key attractions, lively areas, and, naturally, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city boasts a fantastic transportation network—comprising the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that facilitates moving around and traveling between zones. Personally, I aimed to keep my travel expenses low, as inter-zonal travel can be as much as £5.25 per day. I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than using the bus or Tube. Nevertheless, utilizing an Oyster card has greatly cut down my commuting costs to university. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, encompassing areas outside central London. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. While residing in Central London is convenient, it comes with a hefty price. Luckily, I managed to share a room with a friend, which significantly eased our rent burden. I also selected intercollegiate student accommodation, hoping to connect with individuals from varied backgrounds and of a similar age group—something that would have been more challenging in private rentals.
For me, being close to grocery stores was essential. Some of the most prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly choices are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies is a massive time-saver, particularly during hectic times like exam periods.
Selecting the ideal neighbourhood to reside in can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities within London play a vital role in its cultural fabric, presenting a rich assortment of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students seek locales that evoke a sense of home. For instance, Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring an abundance of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Simultaneously, Chinatown in the West End is a bustling center of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the many community-oriented neighbourhoods in London.
The most suitable area to live in London hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. When looking for a new residence in this city, embrace the diversity and richness of London’s accommodation landscape, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy that this extraordinary city provides.