Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days back marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although nine months isn’t an extensive duration, I’ve gained considerable insights in this time. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied lodging options but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private housing present numerous possibilities including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily schedule apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective homes online, review the amenities offered, and evaluate their closeness to public transport facilities.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy navigation across the city and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize my commuting expenses since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have significantly lowered university travel costs. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services cover areas extending beyond the Underground system, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services differ according to distance and the pricing structure of each train operating company. Central London hosts major attractions, which contributes to high living expenses. Luckily, I was at university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, considerably reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a blend that’s more challenging to find in private housing.
Living near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves a lot of time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Choosing a neighborhood to reside in can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are central to its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of their home country. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to live in London rely on your personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodation in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing options, delve into the cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.