Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While the duration might seem brief, I have absorbed a wealth of knowledge. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only due to its broad range of housing choices but also its lively communities. Students are presented with numerous options at their fingertips. Both student residences and private lodgings provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, communal and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can seamlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future living arrangements online, detailing amenities and closeness to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses since crossing zones can incur costs up to £5.25 each day. I opted to stroll short distances instead of relying on the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card choices have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, the London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending into regions beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London features significant attractions, contributing to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share accommodation, significantly reducing our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student housing, aiming to connect with fellow students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood is no easy task. London’s diverse ethnic communities form a crucial part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a semblance of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant enclave filled with Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.