Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Just recently, I’ve completed nine months of residing in London. Although this time frame isn’t extensive, I’ve acquired a substantial amount of knowledge. London is an energetic metropolis, not only because of its wide array of housing options but also due to its multicultural neighborhoods. Students are presented with numerous alternatives. Both university accommodation and private lodgings provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing options online, featuring amenities and accessibility to public transportation.
In my quest for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to prominent attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, where zones one and two represent the most central areas. London boasts a superb public transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since trips between zones could reach £5.25 daily. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university commutes more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas outside the Underground network, covering zones beyond central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the pricing structure of each train company. Central London showcases significant attractions, resulting in higher living expenses. Thankfully, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to substantial savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, which is often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets encompass Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Easy access to essential shops such as grocery stores and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. The ethnic communities of London contribute significantly to its cultural richness, offering vibrant and varied localities. Numerous international students search for familiarity in London. Southall in West London is home to a large South Asian population, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown in the West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on individual preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, take advantage of the diverse and rich housing options available, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.