Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months in London. Though it’s not a long duration, I’ve gained various observations. London is a bustling metropolis with an extensive array of housing options and lively neighborhoods. Students have plenty of alternatives available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings feature various choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio units, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their future homes online, including facilities and access to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to find a room to rent in Central London to stay near key attractions, entertainment spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London has an outstanding transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel between different zones. Personally, I seek to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the fare structures of each rail company. The high living costs in Central London are attributed to its many major attractions. Luckily, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we decided to split a room, which considerably lowered our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing as it allowed me to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that is more challenging to find in private accommodations.
For me, being near grocery stores was essential. Popular supermarkets in the area include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland available as well. Living close to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps streamline errands, especially during exam season.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are central to its cultural identity, presenting a rich mosaic of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of home in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with a variety of Chinese restaurants, storefronts, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas for living in London vary based on personal interests and needs. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of accommodation choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and excitement of this extraordinary city.