Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it may not feel extensive, I’ve gleaned valuable perspectives during my stay. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only for its wide-ranging housing options but also for its rich tapestry of communities. Students find themselves with abundant choices. Both student residences and private rentals offer various amenities, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily schedule viewings for apartments, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom provide international students the ability to explore potential housing options online, review available features, and evaluate access to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a robust transit network, including the subway (tube), buses, and rail services, enabling seamless movement and travel between zones. Personally, I aimed to cut down on commuting expenses as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 each day. I chose to walk short distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made getting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, extending into areas outside central London. Fares for these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing model of each train operator. Central London hosts major attractions, contributing to elevated living costs. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend allowed us to share a room, which substantially lowered our rent burden. I favored intercollegiate accommodations, aspiring to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s tougher to discover in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while more budget-friendly options comprise Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to critical stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood to live in is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural makeup, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London desire the comforts of their homeland. Southall in West London accommodates a large South Asian population, featuring Indian dining establishments, grocery shops, and traditional attire boutiques. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling hub filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of community neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to inhabit in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. In your search for new housing in London, embrace the city’s diversity and abundance of accommodation choices, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary metropolis.