Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago signified nine months since my relocation to London. Although this may not be a long stretch of time, I’ve accrued valuable perspectives. London is a bustling metropolis, recognized for its varied housing opportunities and lively neighborhoods. Students have a wide array of options to choose from. Both student residences and private rentals offer different choices such as ensuite and suite-style bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can easily set up viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse prospective accommodations online, review amenities, and evaluate distance to public transport.
In my quest for a residence, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay close to prominent sights, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to navigate and travel across zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can escalate to £5.25 daily, choosing to stroll short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made trips to the university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, covering regions outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I commenced my university journey with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly lessened our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a blend that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Easy access to vital shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be quite daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich array of different neighborhoods. Many international students yearn for a sense of familiarity with their home cultures in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community filled with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean population and vibrant musical atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area adorned with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.