Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem like a lengthy period, I have gained a considerable amount of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its variety of housing alternatives but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices at their fingertips. Both university housing and private rentals provide a range of options like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private spaces, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom permit international students to browse potential housing online, along with details on amenities and proximity to public transportation.
In my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superior transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to stroll short distances instead of utilizing a bus or tube. Fortunately, oyster card options have made commuting to university much more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services go beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Prices for inter-zone fares fluctuate depending on distance and the fare schedule of each train service. The presence of major attractions in Central London drives up living costs. Thankfully, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, greatly reducing our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more difficult through private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to key shops like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a diverse array of neighborhoods. Many international students look for comfort from their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, offers a wealth of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of neighborhood communities.
The best places to reside in London are influenced by personal preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its housing choices, investigate cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.