Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Though nine months may not seem extensive, I have gleaned a number of insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, notable not only for its variety of housing options but also for its communities. Students have a multitude of choices available to them. Both student accommodations and private rentals provide options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Home students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential living arrangements online, examine available amenities, and identify the nearest public transport routes.
Throughout my quest for a place to reside, I was keen on finding a room in Central London to stay near major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an impressive transport network, encompassing the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since inter-zonal journeys can reach up to £5.25 each day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking a bus or tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have rendered university travel more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside central London. Fares for inter-zone trips on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare policies of each train operator. Central London features prominent attractions, resulting in elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similarly aged, a mix harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets feature Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable alternatives including Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Residing near crucial establishments like supermarkets and pharmacies streamlines errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural identity, providing an array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek echoes of their home countries while in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian population, hosting Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the very heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area replete with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These represent just a handful of community-centered neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London hinge upon your personal interests and requirements. As you embark on the journey to locate a new home in London, appreciate the city’s diversity and abundance of housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.