Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month mark of my stay in London. While this period isn’t extensive, I’ve acquired a few perspectives. London is an energetic city, notable not only for its wide range of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both student residences and private lodgings feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solo rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore their future living spaces online, inspect amenities, and gauge nearness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London prides itself on a robust transit system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal commuting can amount to £5.25 daily. I preferred walking short distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have considerably lowered travel expenses for university journeys. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services vary based on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. The high living costs in central London stem from its prominent attractions. Luckily, sharing a room with a friend while attending university provided significant savings on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errand-running, particularly during exam weeks.
Choosing a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities of London form a key part of its cultural tapestry, showcasing a vibrant assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a prominent South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton, situated in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area packed with numerous Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London vary according to personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new place to live in London, relish the diversity and richness of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and appreciate the convenience and thrill this extraordinary city has to offer.