Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. While nine months may seem brief, I’ve absorbed a significant amount. London is a dynamic metropolis, not only due to its varied housing options but also its vibrant communities. Students are presented with numerous choices right at their fingertips. Both university housing and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to preview their future residences online, inspect amenities, and locate the nearest public transport links.
In my quest for accommodation, my goal was to rent a room in Central London for proximity to prominent attractions, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts a superior transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to lower my travel expenses since moving between zones could cost as much as £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made journeys to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, yielding significant savings on rent. I was inclined towards intercollegiate student accommodations, eager to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often harder to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time for errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural diversity, presenting a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for a touch of home in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling enclave filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new accommodation in London, embrace the diversity and abundance of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.