Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I marked nine months of residing in London. While not an extensive period, I’ve garnered some perspectives. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its myriad housing options but also for its eclectic communities. Students have a wealth of choices available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings of apartments, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living spaces online, including available facilities and closeness to public transport.
In my endeavor to find a living space, I intended to rent a room in Central London to stay close to main attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, allows for seamless navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could cost as much as £5.25 daily. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of taking a bus or tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each rail company. Central London’s prominent attractions lead to elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we shared a room, which significantly reduced our rental costs. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations, hoping to connect with peers from various backgrounds and the same age group, a mix less commonly found in private rentals.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more economical options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves time on errands, particularly during exams.
Selecting a neighbourhood poses challenges. London’s ethnic communities are integral to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighbourhoods. Many international students in London seek the comfort of their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling quarter filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighbourhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary according to personal preferences and necessities. When on the hunt for a new home in London, appreciate the diversity and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.