Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem lengthy, I have gathered some insights during this period. London is an energetic city, not only in relation to its various housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations provide an array of options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential lodgings online, investigate available amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city is divided into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London has an outstanding transport network, incorporating the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel between different zones. Personally, I wanted to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal transport can be as high as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university trips more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, serving areas outside the heart of London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is host to major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, resulting in considerable savings on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, expecting to meet fellow students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that’s often tougher to find in private rentals.
Living near grocery stores was important for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, providing a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students search for a sense of familiarity with their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, positioned in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural happenings. These are only a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. In the quest for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural communities, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.