Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this period may seem brief, I have gained valuable perspectives. London is an energetic city, not only for its varied housing choices but also for its dynamic communities. Students have an abundance of options right at their fingertips. Both student lodgings and private rentals present numerous choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, featuring details about amenities and access to public transportation.
In my quest for lodging, I sought to rent a room in Central London to be near key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superior transportation network that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can reach up to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances instead of utilizing a bus or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commutes to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system to areas outside the central zone, with fare prices varying by distance and individual train companies’ pricing structures. The high living costs near central London’s major attractions are notable. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we made the decision to share a room, which considerably reduced our rent. I favored intercollegiate student lodgings to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which would have been harder to achieve through private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarkets in the area include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural identity, providing a rich mix of diverse areas. Many international students seek the comfort of familiarity from their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is recognized for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the core of London’s West End is filled with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These examples highlight just a few of the community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. To discover a dwelling in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its housing options, explore cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.