Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I celebrated reaching nine months of residing in London. While this duration might seem brief, I’ve gained a significant amount of knowledge. London is lively, not only with its range of housing options but also with its communities. Students have plethora of choices available at their fingertips. Both student residences and private rentals include amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, showcasing amenities and access to public transportation.
During my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain near major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground, buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys could amount to £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have reduced commuting costs for university. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services extend coverage beyond the Underground network, with fares depending on distance and the fare structures of the train companies. Living expenses in Central London are elevated due to its major attractions. Fortunately, I attended university alongside a friend, and we shared accommodation, greatly reducing our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination less frequently found in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Popular supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential places like supermarkets and pharmacies saves precious time, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s ethnic groups are fundamental to its cultural essence, offering various neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of their home country here. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the West End presents a plethora of Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When seeking a new home in London, take advantage of its varied accommodation options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.