Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I have completed nine months of residency in London. Although it may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gained some perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its range of housing options but also for its rich array of communities. Students have various alternatives available. Both student residences and private housing offer choices such as ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore prospective lodgings online, verify available amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most centralized. London’s transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for smooth navigation and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to minimize travel costs as inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 daily. I chose to walk short distances rather than utilize buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground coverage, reaching areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operating company. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, which substantially cut down our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that is tougher to discover in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket choices include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of distinct neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their homelands while in London. Southall in West London is renowned for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the central West End of London, is an energetic enclave boasting numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When exploring housing options in London, welcome the variety and richness of its accommodations, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.