Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month mark of my stay in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its range of housing options but also for its multifaceted communities. Students have a multitude of choices right at their fingertips. Both university accommodation and private housing provide a variety of options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares. Home students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to look at future housing online, inspect amenities, and locate public transport options in the vicinity.
During my housing hunt, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near major landmarks, social gathering spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an excellent transit system, with the underground (tube), buses, and trains making it simple to move around and go between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, since crossing zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on a bus or tube, I opted to walk shorter distances. Fortunately, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of each train company. Central London is home to major sights, which contributes to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, allowing us to save considerably on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds within the same age range, which would have been more challenging through private rentals.
For me, proximity to grocery stores was essential. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to key stores such as grocery outlets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood to settle in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are an integral part of its cultural mosaic, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London seek familiarity from their home countries. Southall, located in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian community complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a dynamic enclave filled with a multitude of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These represent just a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on individual preferences and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.