Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. Although nine months may seem brief, I’ve obtained several observations during this time. London is a bustling metropolis, notable not just for its wide array of housing choices but also for its dynamic communities. Students have a plethora of options available. Both university housing and private rentals offer alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom assist international students in exploring potential accommodations online, reviewing available amenities, and evaluating transport links.
In my hunt for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the heart of London. The transportation network is superb, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes navigating and travelling between zones straightforward. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can cost up to £5.25 daily. I decided to walk shorter distances instead of taking the bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services encompass regions outside the Underground network, reaching into zones beyond central London. Inter-zone travel fares on these services depend on distance and the pricing structure of each train operating company. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, sharing a room with a friend while at university allowed us to significantly cut down on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, anticipating the chance to connect with students from various backgrounds and of a similar age, a combination that’s typically harder to find in private rentals.
Having easy access to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The various ethnic communities in London are central to its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant mix of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their homeland in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When searching for a new place to stay in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the amenities and thrill of this extraordinary city.