Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I marked my nine-month milestone of residing in London. While it may not seem extensive, I have gained significant insights. London is a bustling metropolis, providing a variety of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have numerous options available right at their feet, including student residences and private rentals with amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared or individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment visits, while international learners can explore platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to examine prospective living spaces online, review facilities, and find links to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I focused on securing a room in Central London to remain close to prominent sites, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two representing the most central areas. London boasts an outstanding public transport network that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifying travel across zones. I aimed to cut down on commuting expenses since traveling between zones can reach up to £5.25 each day, so I opted for walking shorter distances. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the Underground system, covering areas beyond central London. The costs for inter-zone travel on these modes vary depending on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London features prominent attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we opted to share a room, which notably decreased our rent. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and age groups, a mix that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood poses its own challenges. The ethnic communities in London are pivotal to its cultural landscape, offering an array of neighbourhoods. Many international students yearn for a sense of familiarity with their home countries while in London. Southall in West London features a substantial South Asian population, complete with Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Meanwhile, Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, situated in the West End, is rich with Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighbourhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your individual interests and needs. When embarking on the search for new accommodation in London, relish the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and revel in the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.