Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although this period may seem brief, my experiences have been quite enlightening. London is a bustling metropolis, providing a plethora of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students have a vast array of options at their disposal, ranging from student accommodations to private housing, featuring ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential living spaces online, verify amenities, and locate nearby public transport connections.
In my quest for a residence, I preferred a room in Central London for its proximity to key landmarks, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is organized into six concentric zones, with the core being zones one and two. London boasts a superb transport network that includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy navigation and travel across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal travel can be as much as £5.25 daily. Instead of relying on the bus or tube, I opted to walk shorter distances. Nonetheless, oyster card options have significantly reduced commuting costs for university. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground network, extending to zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The high living costs in central London are largely due to its renowned attractions. Luckily, I attended university with a friend, and we decided to share a room, which greatly lowered our rent expenses. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more challenging with private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential amenities such as supermarkets and pharmacies nearby saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighbourhood is a daunting task. London’s ethnic communities are a vital part of its cultural identity, presenting a variety of neighbourhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home cultures in London. Southall in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London highlights its Afro-Caribbean culture and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, features many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. These are just a few illustrations of community-centric neighbourhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London are dictated by your preferences and requirements. As you embark on your housing search in London, embrace the diversity and vibrancy of its accommodation offerings, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.