Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. Though nine months may seem brief, I have gleaned some valuable insights during this time. London is an exhilarating metropolis, renowned not just for its wide array of housing options but also its rich tapestry of communities. Students have a plethora of choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer amenities like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Native students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview their prospective homes digitally, review the facilities, and evaluate their distance from public transit.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to secure a room in Central London to remain close to main attractions, vibrant social scenes, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an exceptional transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating straightforward navigation and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zone travel can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend coverage beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London showcases significant attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I shared university attendance with a friend, and we chose to co-rent a room, substantially reducing our rental costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to meet peers from various backgrounds around the same age, a combination more challenging to discover in private dwellings.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets comprise Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby conserves time on errands, especially during the exam period.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of distinct neighbourhoods. Numerous international students are drawn to the comfort of their home country while in London. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famous for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the bustling West End, is a lively area filled with various Chinese restaurants, retail shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community-oriented neighbourhoods.
The optimal places to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and enjoy the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.