Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months residing in London. Though it may seem brief, I’ve gained valuable insights. London is dynamic, providing a wide range of housing options and communities. Students have various choices right at their doorstep, with options in both student residences and private rentals, such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and shared houses. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, highlighting amenities and proximity to public transport.
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to rent a room in Central London for convenient access to major attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts a superb transportation network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy movement and travel between zones. To keep travel costs down, as inter-zonal commutes can be as much as £5.25 per day, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on a bus or tube. Thankfully, oyster card alternatives have reduced university travel expenses. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone travel on these lines vary depending on distance and the fare structure of each train operator. The city’s main attractions drive up living costs. Luckily, I went to university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly decreased our rent expenses. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, which is a combination that is more challenging to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was crucial for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies allows for quicker errand runs, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood can be difficult. The ethnic communities in London are vital to its cultural identity, creating diverse neighbourhoods. Numerous international students look for a taste of home within London. Southall in West London hosts a large South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing boutiques. Brixton in South London showcases its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown in the heart of London’s West End is filled with an array of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural festivities. These are just a handful of examples of community-rich neighbourhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. To secure your new home in London, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of its accommodation choices, discover cultural districts, and relish the convenience and excitement this remarkable city offers.