Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though it may not seem like a long duration, I’ve gleaned several observations. London is a bustling metropolis, providing a variety of housing options and lively neighborhoods. Students have a myriad of alternatives available, with both student accommodations and private housing offering features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to investigate possible housing online, including facilities and closeness to public transportation.
In my hunt for a living space, I sought a room for rent in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London possesses an impressive transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which allows for straightforward navigation and travel between areas. To minimize travel expenses, since inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train provider. The major attractions of Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, greatly lowering our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing, anticipating the chance to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is more difficult to locate in private residences.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies reduces time spent on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural essence, providing a rich mix of varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiar elements from their home countries within London. Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, boasts countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, explore cultural hotspots, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.