Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residence in London. While this may seem brief, I’ve gathered some valuable perspectives. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a variety of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange for apartment showings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom help international students explore prospective homes online, including the facilities provided and their distance to public transport.
While searching for a residence, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city contains six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London possesses an outstanding public transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying navigation and travel across zones. I aimed to reduce my travel expenses, as moving between zones could cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zone. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Central London is home to significant attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share accommodations, lowering our rent significantly. I favored intercollegiate housing to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, which is more challenging to encounter in private rentals.
Being near grocery shops was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops like grocery stores and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be complex. The ethnic communities in London contribute significantly to its cultural identity, creating a rich mosaic of diverse areas. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, features a substantial South Asian population with an array of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the center of London’s West End, is a bustling area with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London are subjective and vary based on individual preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.