Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this isn’t an extensive period, I have gained significant insights. London is a dynamic city, offering not only a variety of housing options but also a wide range of communities. Students have numerous choices available to them. Both student housing and private rentals provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, and platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential accommodations online, detailing amenities and their distance to public transport.
In my search for a residence, my goal was to secure a room in Central London, facilitating easy access to significant landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying movement and travel across zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses given that inter-zonal journeys can set you back up to £5.25 daily. Thus, I opted to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground framework, extending to regions outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services are determined by distance and the fare structure of different train operators. The major attractions in Central London contribute to high living costs. Thankfully, I was able to attend university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which substantially reduced our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with cost-effective choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on chores, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities play an integral role in its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for the comfort of their home culture within London. Southall in West London hosts a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area replete with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of communal neighbourhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are contingent upon your interests and requirements. When on the hunt for a new place in London, relish the diversity and depth of its housing options, investigate cultural enclaves, and indulge in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.