Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve gathered some insights. London is a bustling metropolis, renowned not only for its varied housing options but also for its vibrant communities. Students find numerous choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private housing provide amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house share opportunities. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring their prospective homes online, assessing amenities, and locating nearby public transport routes.
During my quest for accommodation, my goal was to find a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most centrally located. London boasts an outstanding transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can amount to £5.25 daily. Instead of opting for buses or the tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card solutions have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground, extending into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services vary according to the distance traveled and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London houses significant attractions, leading to higher living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, resulting in considerable savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and of similar age, a mix that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural identity, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall in West London features a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional garment stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown in London’s West End showcases Chinese cuisine, shops, and cultural festivities. These exemplify just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for living in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new residence in London, welcome the diversity and richness of its accommodation selections, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.