Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residency in London. While this may not be a long duration, I’ve acquired some valuable perspectives. London is a bustling metropolis, boasting a plethora of housing choices and lively neighborhoods. Students are presented with numerous alternatives. Both student residences and privately rented spaces offer various options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings, while resources like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential housing options online, including amenities and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key landmarks, social centers, and the campus of Imperial. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most centralized. London has an outstanding transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which aids in city exploration and inter-zone travel. I personally aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones might cost as much as £5.25 per day. I chose to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Tube network, reaching areas outside central London. Travel fares between zones on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The main attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I leaned toward intercollegiate student housing, hoping to encounter students from various cultural backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that’s often harder to find in private accommodations.
Being near grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby helps save time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting task. The ethnic communities of London play a pivotal role in its cultural richness, presenting a vibrant array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students look for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall, located in West London, has a substantial South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, found in the West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese dining establishments, stores, and cultural activities. These are merely a few instances of neighborhood communities.
The optimal areas for residing in London rely on personal preferences and requirements. When embarking on the search for a new home in London, celebrate the diversity and wealth of its housing possibilities, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.