Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months living in London. While it may seem brief, I’ve absorbed a considerable amount. London is an energetic metropolis, not only due to its vast array of housing opportunities but also because of its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodation and private rentals present options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential rentals online, verify available amenities, and gauge proximity to public transport.
During my search for a residence, my goal was to find a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the core. London features an outstanding public transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation throughout the city and travel between zones. Personally, I sought to mitigate travel expenses as inter-zonal commutes can reach up to £5.25 each day. I preferred to walk shorter distances rather than relying on a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card solutions have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, connecting to zones outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policy of each train company. The major attractions in Central London lead to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, resulting in significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a mixture that is often harder to discover in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was important to me. Familiar supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play an essential role in its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of their homeland. Southall, located in West London, is largely inhabited by the South Asian community, boasting Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for new accommodation in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing choices, explore cultural precincts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this exceptional city.