Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residence in London. Although this time frame is relatively short, I’ve gained considerable knowledge. London is an energetic city, renowned not only for its variety of housing options but also for its multicultural communities. Students have numerous alternatives at their convenience. Both student housing and private rentals present choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can easily arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential accommodations online, assess amenities, and locate nearby transport connections.
In my search for a place to reside, I focused on renting a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation throughout the city and travel between zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can amount to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than take a bus or tube. Oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending into zones outside Central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and each train company’s fare system. The high living costs in Central London stem from its numerous major attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we chose to share a room, which significantly reduced our rent expenses. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more challenging through private housing.
Living in proximity to grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a difficulty. London’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, creating varied neighborhoods. Many international students search for a sense of familiarity with their home country within London. Southall in West London has a significant South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the center of London’s West End, features an abundance of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The most suitable places to reside in London depend on personal preferences and requirements. When looking for new accommodation in London, celebrate the diversity and richness of the city’s housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.