Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month mark in London. Though it may seem brief, it has imparted a wealth of insights. London is an ever-evolving metropolis, presenting an array of housing options and lively communities. Students have a plethora of choices at their fingertips, ranging from student residences to private lodgings, with features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily set up apartment viewings, while websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, evaluate amenities, and consider proximity to public transport.
During my hunt for accommodation, my focus was to rent a room in Central London to be conveniently located near key sights, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the most central being zones one and two. London’s transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, offers seamless navigation and travel across zones. To keep travel costs down, since inter-zonal fare could reach up to £5.25 per day, I chose to walk short distances rather than rely on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services stretch beyond the Underground network, connecting to zones outside of central London, with ticket prices fluctuating based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The central city’s prominent attractions contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a roommate enabled us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to interact with students from varied backgrounds and similar ages, an aspect less attainable through private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was essential for me. Well-known supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of distinct neighborhoods. Many international students seek a semblance of their home nations in London. Southall, situated in West London, boasts a substantial South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton, located in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, serves as a bustling area with numerous Chinese restaurants, retail shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodation in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing choices, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city has to offer.