Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although this may not seem lengthy, I’ve gathered some perspectives in this time frame. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied housing options but also for its lively communities. Students have numerous nearby alternatives. Both student accommodation and private housing provide a variety of choices such as ensuite or suite bathrooms, shared or private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential living spaces online, verify available facilities, and locate nearby transport links.
In my quest for housing, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key sights, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to traverse and move between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 per 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. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas outside the Underground network, reaching zones beyond central London. Rates for inter-zone travel on these services vary according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London hosts major attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I enrolled in university with a friend, and we decided to co-rent a room, allowing significant savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s more difficult to achieve in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside affordable alternatives such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities are a key part of its cultural identity, creating a rich array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for a sense of connection to their home countries. Southall, in West London, features a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a dynamic area teeming with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are just a few examples of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London depend on personal interests and requirements. While looking for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural enclaves, and savor the convenience and thrill of this incredible city.