Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained insight during this period. London is an energetic city, known not just for its varied living arrangements but also for its communities. Students have numerous choices right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring their potential homes online, showcasing the amenities they provide and their distance from public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to find a room to rent in Central London, keeping myself close to major attractions, lively social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation system, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and inter-zone travel. I was keen on minimizing my travel expenses, as moving between zones can amount to £5.25 daily. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more affordable. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services span a larger area beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train operating company’s fare structure. Central London is home to major attractions, consequently inflating living costs. Luckily, I was going to university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which led to substantial savings on rent. I favored living in intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that’s trickier to achieve with private properties.
Proximity to grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential outlets, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to reside in is a challenging choice. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Most international students in London search for the comfort of their home country within this city. Southall, located in West London, houses a significant South Asian community and is dotted with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Situated in the core of London’s West End, Chinatown is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to stay in London depend on your interests and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of London’s accommodation choices, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.