Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I’ve recently completed nine months of residing in London. While it isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve gained some insights. London is a dynamic metropolis, presenting a variety of housing options and lively communities. Students have a multitude of choices, ranging from student residences to private living spaces such as ensuites and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to explore potential accommodations online, review amenities, and locate public transport links.
In my search for a place to stay, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I was keen on reducing travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have lowered university commuting costs. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure of each train provider. Living expenses in Central London are high due to prominent attractions. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which significantly cut down on our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been more challenging with private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was important to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with less expensive alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s diverse communities are essential to its cultural landscape, presenting a range of neighborhoods. Many international students seek familiarity with their home country’s culture while in London. Southall, in West London, hosts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in London’s West End, offers countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. While hunting for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of the housing options, delve into cultural hotspots, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.