Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of my stay in London. Although nine months may not seem extensive, I’ve gained several perspectives during this time. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just for its varied housing choices but also for the communities that call it home. Students have access to a plethora of options. Both student residences and private rentals offer a selection of facilities, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly set up apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to preview potential homes online, including the features available and their distance from public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I targeted a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features an impressive transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. Personally, I aimed to lower travel expenses, as moving between zones can rack up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside the central region. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on the distance and the fare structure implemented by each train provider. Central London is home to major attractions, contributing to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I went to university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with peers from different backgrounds and a similar age, a combination that is often rarer in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket options feature Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while cheaper alternatives include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. The diverse ethnic communities in London are essential to its cultural essence, presenting a vivid array of neighborhoods. Many international students in London search for a sense of familiarity akin to their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, boasting Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling hub filled with an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are just a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas for residing in London are contingent on personal interests and requirements. As you hunt for a new residence in London, take the time to appreciate the diversity and richness of its accommodation possibilities, explore cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.