Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While nine months may not seem extensive, I have gained a considerable amount of knowledge during this period. London is an energetic metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have an abundance of alternatives available. Both student accommodation and private housing provide multiple choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily schedule apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, check available amenities, and view the closest public transport connections.
In my search for a residence, I aimed to rent a room in Central London for proximity to major attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London boasts a superb transportation system that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel could cost as much as £5.25 per day. Instead of taking a bus or tube, I chose to walk short distances. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these lines vary according to distance and the fare structure of individual train operating companies. Central London contains prominent attractions, leading to high living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I preferred residing in intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students from various backgrounds within the same age range, a blend more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; budget-friendly options include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time when running errands, especially during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood to reside in can be a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their home countries. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for accommodation in London depend on your personal preferences and requirements. As you seek a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing opportunities, discover its cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.