Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve gathered some insights. London is a bustling metropolis, providing a variety of lodging options and dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private living arrangements feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective living spaces online, complete with details on amenities and access to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to be close to key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation system, consisting of the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel across zones. To minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can incur costs of up to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, serving regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. The primary attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we resolved to share a room, significantly reducing our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, something more difficult with private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable alternatives are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, which is especially beneficial during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s diverse ethnic communities are essential to its cultural landscape, offering various neighborhoods. Many international students look for familiarity reminiscent of their home countries. Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown in the West End features a plethora of Chinese diners, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of culturally rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When hunting for accommodations in London, fully appreciate the variety and richness of housing options, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.