Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this might not seem lengthy, I have acquired some insights. London is a bustling metropolis, not only for its varied housing choices but also for its vibrant communities. Students have abundant options right at their fingertips. Both student housing and private rentals provide selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can readily arrange apartment tours, whereas platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, including facilities and access to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I set my sights on renting a room in Central London to stay close to key landmarks, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric areas, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which simplify movement and transit between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I opted for walking short distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card choices have made university commutes more affordable. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending into zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the tariff layout of each train operator. Central London is home to major attractions, leading to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, significantly cutting our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with students from varied backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that can be harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby conserves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic communities are vital to its cultural landscape, creating a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for a sense of familiarity with their homeland. Southall in West London is home to a substantial South Asian community, complete with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the center of London’s West End offers a bustling enclave with various Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The ideal places to live in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for new housing in London, appreciate the diversity and abundance of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.