Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I recently hit the nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although it may not seem extensive, I’ve picked up several observations. London is a dynamic city, characterized not only by its varied housing options but also by its lively communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Both student accommodations and private rentals offer a variety of options, including ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential accommodations online along with the amenities provided and their closeness to public transportation.
During my search for a residence, I focused on renting a room in Central London to stay near key attractions, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central areas. London’s superb transport system, which encompasses the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since traveling between zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, the oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, covering areas outside of central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The city’s prominent attractions contribute to high living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, resulting in considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from different backgrounds and the same age group, which would have been more challenging in private accommodations.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Convenient access to vital stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a vital role in its cultural landscape, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for associations with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a sizable South Asian community boasting Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean population and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, positioned in the heart of London’s West End, offers a bustling area with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on your interests and requirements. To locate a new home in London, embrace the diversity and wealth of its accommodation options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.