Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I hit the nine-month milestone of living in London. While this time frame may not be long, I’ve gathered various insights throughout this period. London is a bustling metropolis, characterized not just by its numerous housing choices but also by its rich tapestry of communities. Students have a wide array of options available. Both university accommodation and private housing provide alternatives such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential accommodations online, including details about amenities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain close to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London features an outstanding transport system, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, which makes it easy to navigate and travel across zones. I was keen on minimizing travel expenses since inter-zonal trips can amount to as much as £5.25 daily, thus I decided to walk short distances rather than take the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for travel between zones on these services fluctuate according to distance and the fare policies of each train operator. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Luckily, I had a university friend, and we opted to share a room, leading to considerable savings on rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, aiming to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Residing near grocery shops was vital for me. Common supermarkets consist of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to essential stores such as grocery shops and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighbourhood presents its own challenges. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural landscape, showcasing a vibrant array of different neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look to find elements of their homeland in London. Southall, situated in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian community featuring Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music scene. Chinatown, located in the centre of London’s West End, thrives with numerous Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community neighbourhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are contingent on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of its housing options, discover cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.