Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this period isn’t extensive, I’ve gathered various insights during my time here. London is a dynamic city, not only because of its wide range of housing options but also due to its active communities. Students have numerous selections available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings provide a variety of choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, complete with details on amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my search for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to significant landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies navigation and travel across zones. Personally, I wished to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can rack up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare schedules of each train operator. Major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I had a preference for intercollegiate student accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s often harder to find in private housing.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential retailers such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time during errands, particularly in exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own set of challenges. London’s ethnic communities represent a crucial aspect of its cultural landscape, showcasing a rich array of distinct neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek a sense of familiarity with their home cultures. Southall, located in West London, boasts a large South Asian community with its Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively musical atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, retail shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The best places to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.