Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this isn’t a lengthy period, I’ve gained significant insights. London thrives as a bustling city not only due to its wide range of housing alternatives but also its lively communities. Students have numerous choices available. Both student residences and private housing come equipped with several options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore prospective homes online, evaluate features, and consider the closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I set out to rent a room in Central London, aiming to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation around the city and movement between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenditures, as travelling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk short distances rather than using buses or the tube. Nonetheless, options with the oyster card have made commuting to university more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground system, covering regions outside central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and the pricing models of each train operator. Living costs in Central London are elevated due to its major attractions. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a connection that might have been more challenging through private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, which is especially beneficial during exam periods.
Picking a neighborhood poses difficulties. London’s ethnic communities form an essential part of its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of varied neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a semblance of their home country in London. Southall in West London is home to a sizable South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of neighborhood communities.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When pursuing a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.