Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this duration may seem brief, I’ve acquired valuable experiences throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a diverse range of housing choices and energetic neighborhoods. Students have a multitude of options available. Both student housing and private rentals feature alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom empower international students to investigate potential lodgings online, detailing amenities and accessibility to public transit.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London for proximity to major landmarks, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the core. London’s superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for straightforward navigation and travel among zones. Personally, I aimed to cut down travel expenses, as inter-zonal commutes can total up to £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances instead of taking buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made travelling to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Fortunately, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, significantly lowering our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to meet individuals from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that’s often harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves time on errands, particularly during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural essence, providing a rich diversity 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 considerable South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery markets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant enclave filled with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These represent just a handful of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are influenced by personal preferences and requirements. While hunting for a new residence in London, embrace the city’s diversity and wealth of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.