Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this isn’t a lengthy duration, I’ve gathered a few observations. London is an energetic city, characterized not only by its range of housing options but also by its varied communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both student accommodation and private rentals provide options including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio units, and house shares. Local students can conveniently set up apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom assist international students in browsing potential rentals online, checking amenities, and evaluating closeness to public transit.
During my quest for housing, my goal was to secure a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, nightlife, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London features a superb transportation network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allowing for simple navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to keep travel expenses down, as traveling between zones can accrue fees of up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas outside the Underground network, extending to zones beyond central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare system of each train company. The costs of living in Central London are notably high due to its prominent attractions. Luckily, I had a university companion, and we opted to share a room, which considerably lowered our rental costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate accommodations to connect with students from various backgrounds and similar age ranges, a combination that’s often tougher to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on chores, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. London’s myriad ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, offering a vibrant mix of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students in London look for traces of their home culture. Southall, located in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Meanwhile, Brixton in South London is noted for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural happenings. These represent just a handful of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When on the hunt for new accommodations in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.