Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked nine months of residing in London. Though it may seem brief, I have gathered a few observations. London is a bustling metropolis, notable not only for its varied housing choices but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options available. Both student residences and private lodgings provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing online, showcasing the amenities and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on renting a room in Central London for easy access to key sights, social areas, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London boasts an impressive transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making traversal between zones straightforward. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal fares can reach £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made university journeys more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services serve regions beyond the Underground scope, reaching into areas outside of central London. Fares for cross-zone journeys on these services fluctuate according to distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London features major attractions that drive living expenses up. Luckily, I was going to university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, greatly reducing rent costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is more difficult to find in private rentals.
Having grocery stores nearby was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves a lot of time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities are pivotal to its cultural diversity, presenting a rich array of distinct neighborhoods. Many international students seek a semblance of their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean population and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in the center of London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These serve as just a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London are influenced by your preferences and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.