Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated reaching nine months in London. Although this may seem brief, I have acquired a substantial amount of knowledge. London buzzes with life, offering not only a variety of living arrangements but also vibrant communities. Students have a plethora of options right at their fingertips. Both university housing and private rentals include features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential homes online, review amenities, and evaluate their distance from public transport links.
During my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and inter-zonal travel. I aimed to cut down on travel expenses since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the Underground network, covering zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in Central London are reflective of its major attractions. Luckily, going to university with a friend enabled us to share a room and significantly reduce our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to meet fellow students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a demographic mix harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Easy access to vital shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its own set of challenges. London’s ethnic communities are a crucial part of its cultural landscape, showcasing a variety of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home cultures in London. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These represent just a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.