Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Lately, I have completed nine months of residing in London. Although it’s not an extensive period, I’ve gained several insights. London is a vibrant city, not solely due to its varied housing options but also because of its communities. Students find numerous choices right at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can swiftly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom aid international students in exploring their prospective accommodations online, assessing amenities, and identifying public transport connections.
In my quest for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal transport can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have reduced university commuting costs. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the Underground network, reaching areas beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to significant attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, which greatly alleviated rental expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student residences to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is trickier to find in private accommodations.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students desire a sense of familiarity with their home nation while residing in London. Southall in West London hosts a prominent South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, offers a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on your preferences and necessities. When looking for a new home in London, relish the diversity and vibrancy of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the ease and thrill of this extraordinary city.