Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months living in London. While not a lengthy duration, I have gathered some observations. London is a dynamic metropolis, renowned not just for its various housing options but also for its vibrant communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students in checking out prospective lodgings online, along with their features and transport links.
During my property search, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to prominent attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with the first and second zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigation and inter-zone travel easy. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone travel fares can climb to £5.25 daily. Instead of taking buses or the tube, I chose to walk shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting for university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The presence of major attractions in Central London results in elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share accommodation, which greatly lessened our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student housing to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s tougher to find in private residences.
Being close to grocery shops was essential to me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic enclaves are crucial to its cultural landscape, providing various neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek connections to their home countries within London. Southall in West London features a prominent South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and energetic music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London are determined by personal preferences and requirements. When looking for new accommodation in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and excitement of this remarkable city.