Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this duration may not appear significant, I have gathered various insights throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its multitude of housing opportunities but also for its diverse communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential housing online, along with the amenities provided and the proximity to public transport.
In my quest to find a place to stay, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to notable attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features a superb transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplifies navigation and travel among the zones. Personally, I intended to minimize travel costs as inter-zonal journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card alternatives have made university commutes more economical. Besides, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central region. Fare costs for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structures of each train operator. The city’s central attractions contribute to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly lessening our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination tougher to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Typical supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies aids in saving time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London is a formidable task. The city’s ethnic communities are intrinsic to its cultural essence, providing a rich selection of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home countries. Southall, located in West London, features a significant South Asian population with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the core of London’s West End, is a vibrant locale filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These serve as just a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.