Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residence in London. Although this isn’t an extensive period, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only due to its variety of housing choices but also its multicultural communities. Students have a wide array of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private residences present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore possible accommodations online, inclusive of amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. However, options for oyster cards have reduced the costs for university commutes. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond Central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare system. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, greatly reducing our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential facilities such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities form an integral part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London seek the comfort of their native culture. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music environment. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, offers a lively hub filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centric neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When hunting for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.