Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of my stay in London. While this duration may not seem extensive, I have gathered various insights. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing choices and a mix of communities. Students find themselves with ample options available. Both student residences and private accommodations feature alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students are able to arrange viewings with ease, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore possible housing choices online, inclusive of amenities and accessibility to public transit.
In my search for a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the campus of Imperial. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London possesses a superb transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing for smooth navigation and travel across the zones. I sought to minimize my travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can cost as much as £5.25 a day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, connecting to areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The significant tourist attractions in central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination less frequently found in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on daily errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighbourhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural landscape, creating a vibrant mosaic of various neighbourhoods. Numerous international students search for familiarity with their home cultures in London. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a lively area filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few examples of community-rich neighbourhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London are contingent upon personal interests and requirements. While searching for a new residence in London, relish the variety and depth of the city’s housing options, explore its cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.