Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I’ve gained significant insight. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a multitude of living arrangements and varied communities. Students have an abundance of options readily available. Both university housing and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential rentals online, evaluate amenities, and locate the closest public transport connections.
In my quest for a place to stay, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric areas, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transport system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel between zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal fares can amount to £5.25 daily. I decided to walk short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train operator’s pricing scheme. Central London, hosting major landmarks, tends to have high living costs. Thankfully, I was attending university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which significantly reduced our rental expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being close 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. Proximity to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, presenting a rich tapestry of diverse districts. Numerous international students in London seek connections to their home cultures. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean populace and lively music scene. Chinatown in the bustling West End of London is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on your personal interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new abode in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.