Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this isn’t an extensive duration, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a dynamic city, not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private lodgings offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore future accommodations online, review the facilities, and locate the nearest public transport connections.
In my quest for housing, I intended to rent a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transportation system is exceptional, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to move around and travel between zones. I sought to minimize my travel expenses since inter-zonal travel can cost as much as £5.25 each day. I frequently opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network to areas outside of central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare structure set by each train company. Central London boasts major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I was attending university with a friend, which allowed us to share a room and significantly reduce our rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, a combination harder to obtain in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside cheaper alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home countries in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and thriving music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These examples illustrate just a few community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on individual interests and needs. When hunting for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and excitement this extraordinary city offers.