Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this might seem brief, my experiences have been quite enriching. The vibrancy of London extends beyond its array of living arrangements to its rich tapestry of communities. Students enjoy a plethora of options available right at their doorstep. Both student residences and private housing present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and standalone rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore future housing online, incorporating details about amenities and accessibility to public transport.
During my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to stay close to primary attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s public transport system, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones can incur daily costs up to £5.25. Thus, I opted for walking shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Still, Oyster card options have helped decrease commuting costs for university students. Moreover, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network into zones outside of central London, with fares varying according to distance and the pricing structure of individual train companies. The high living costs in Central London are attributed to its major attractions. Fortunately, I was accompanied by a friend at university, and we shared a room, significantly lowering our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, which is more challenging to locate in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common grocery chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential retail outlets, like supermarkets and pharmacies, nearby saves valuable time, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood poses its own challenges. The ethnic communities of London are a vital component of its cultural essence, providing varied neighbourhoods. A multitude of international students look for familiar environments reminiscent of their own countries in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community with abundant Indian dining options, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Meanwhile, Chinatown, in the core of London’s West End, brims with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of culturally rich neighbourhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London largely depend on personal interests and requirements. While hunting for a new home in London, it is essential to appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation selections, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city has to offer.