Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though it’s not an extensive duration, I’ve gathered a few perspectives. London is a dynamic city, not only for its varied housing choices but also for its lively communities. Students have a wealth of options available to them. Both student-specific housing and private rentals provide a range of facilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can quickly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, assess amenities, and gauge distance to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I looked to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is laid out in six circular zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and movement between zones. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses, as moving between zones could amount to as much as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have enhanced affordability for university trips. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the tube network, going beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing model of each rail company. The costs of living near major attractions in Central London are quite high. Luckily, going to university with a friend allowed us to share a room and significantly reduce our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination less prevalent in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to key stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home countries in this city. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian dining, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London rely on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, take advantage of the city’s varied accommodation offerings, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city provides.