Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this may not be an extensive period, I’ve gathered some observations. London is a vibrant city, notable not only for its varied accommodation options but also for its communities. Students are presented with numerous choices right at their fingertips. Both student housing and private rentals offer facilities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students have the ease of booking apartment showings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to explore potential lodgings online, examine amenities, and evaluate distances to public transport.
In my quest 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 segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitates easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost as much as £5.25 daily, hence I opted for walking short distances rather than relying on the bus or tube. However, oyster card options have rendered university commutes more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network to areas outside of central London. Ticket prices for inter-zone travel vary according to distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Living expenses in Central London are elevated due to its major attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we shared a room, leading to significant savings on rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with students hailing from various backgrounds and parallel age groups, a combination that’s often harder to find in private properties.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, especially during examination periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are crucial to its cultural essence, providing diverse residential areas. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity from their home countries in London. Southall in West London boasts a substantial South Asian community with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown in the West End features numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a handful of examples of community-centered neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas to reside in London depend on your interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the diversity and richness of its accommodation choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the convenience and vibrancy this extraordinary city has to offer.