Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Having recently completed nine months in London, I’ve amassed a fair bit of knowledge, though it may not seem extensive. London is an energetic metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing options but also for its dynamic communities. Students enjoy a wealth of choices available to them. Student accommodations and private residences provide a variety of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their potential living arrangements online, complete with amenities and transport links.
In my hunt for accommodation, I sought a room to rent in Central London to stay close to major attractions, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The superb transportation network of London, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zone fares can amount to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services cover areas beyond the Underground reaching into zones outside the central part of the city. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London are attributed to its prominent attractions. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age ranges—something more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Key supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on chores, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London contribute significantly to its cultural fabric, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London boasts a vibrant Afro-Caribbean community and an impressive music scene. Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End of London, is a lively area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural occurrences. These examples represent just a small selection of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas in London for living hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodation in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing possibilities, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.