Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While it’s a relatively short period, I’ve gathered quite a bit of knowledge. London is a dynamic metropolis, renowned not just for its varied housing alternatives but also for its lively community spirit. Students have an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both shared student accommodations and private rentals provide a range of possibilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview potential homes online, assess amenities, and locate the nearest public transport connections.
In my search for a living space, my objective was to rent a room in Central London to maintain proximity to major landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city comprises six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which facilitates easy movement across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can incur daily costs of up to £5.25. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have reduced university commute expenses. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend into areas beyond the Underground’s reach, stretching into zones beyond central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs in Central London stem from its prominent attractions. Fortunately, I enrolled at the university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly lowering our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations as they provided opportunities to meet peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is often difficult to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Close proximity to vital stores like supermarkets and pharmacies is a time-saver, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London are key to its cultural landscape, providing an array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a connection to their home culture while in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian population with numerous Indian restaurants, grocery outlets, and clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-centered neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. To secure a new home in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrance of this extraordinary city.