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 duration, I have gathered valuable experiences during this time. London is an energetic metropolis, characterized not only by its wide range of housing options but also by its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both university accommodation and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while tools like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review available amenities, and evaluate their accessibility to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I personally sought to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can soar as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of individual train operators. Central London’s prime attractions lead to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential retailers like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood to reside in is complex. The ethnic communities within London play a crucial role in its cultural identity, creating a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for connections to their home country. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, offering Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for accommodation in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and variety of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.