Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While nine months may not seem extensive, I have gained a wealth of knowledge during this period. London is a vibrant city, not only because of its vast array of housing options but also due to its multicultural communities. Students have numerous choices available right at their front door. Both student residences and private housing provide various alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, both shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective accommodations online, check available amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my search for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding public transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement between different zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses since traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commuting significantly cheaper. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services connect areas outside the Underground system, reaching zones beyond Central London. The fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure set by each train operator. Living in Central London open my access to major attractions, which in turn drives up living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, cutting down our rental expenses considerably. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and a comparable age group, a combination that’s often tougher to find within private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses its challenges. London’s ethnic communities form a crucial aspect of its cultural landscape, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Many international students seek the comfort of familiar surroundings from their homeland. Southall in West London features a significant South Asian community with a plethora of Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is famed for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the core of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with a multitude of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for residence in London fluctuate based on your interests and requirements. To secure a new home in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this remarkable city.