Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. While it’s a brief span, I’ve gained several insights. London buzzes with life, not only due to its extensive housing choices but also because of its multifaceted communities. Students have a wealth of options available. Both student accommodations and private rentals present alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and solitary rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, inspect amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transit.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London’s transit system, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy movement and travel between zones. I wanted to minimize travel expenses since inter-zone journeys can amount to as much as £5.25 daily, opting to walk shorter distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network, encompassing areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel differ based on distance and the fare structure of each rail company. The high living costs in Central London stem from its many major attractions. Luckily, I went to university alongside a friend, and we decided to share a room, leading to significant rent savings. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that’s harder to come by in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Accessibility to key establishments such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood poses a challenge. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural identity, presenting a rich variety of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall in West London boasts a significant South Asian community complete with Indian dining, grocery outlets, and traditional attire shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a vibrant hub filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal neighborhoods in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. In your search for a new residence in London, relish the diversity and abundance of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this incredible city.