Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I completed nine months in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is a dynamic city, known not only for its varied housing options but also for its energetic communities. Students have a plethora of choices available right at their fingertips. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, assess amenities, and find the nearest public transport connections.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Therefore, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made trips to university considerably more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach locations beyond the Underground network, extending into outer zones. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London features major attractions, which significantly raises living expenses. Thankfully, I entered the university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, resulting in substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. The ethnic communities within London play a key role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of connection to their home country. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is well-known for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, right in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These exemplify just a few community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are determined by your interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new place to call home in London, embrace its diverse and rich accommodation offerings, delve into its cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.