Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of residing in London. Although it may not seem long, I’ve gathered some observations. London is bustling, presenting a variety of housing options and dynamic communities. Students have a multitude of choices available to them. Both student residences and private housing feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily schedule apartment tours, while sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential homes online, review amenities, and evaluate closeness to public transport.
During my quest for accommodation, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hubs, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six zones, with zones one and two being the most central areas. London’s transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, makes it simple to get around and travel between zones. To economize on travel expenses, which can reach £5.25 daily, I chose to walk shorter distances instead of relying on buses or the tube. However, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services extend to regions outside the Underground network, reaching into zones beyond central London, with fare variations depending on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The prominent attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share a room, which significantly lowered our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, a blend that’s harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time during errands, especially during exam times.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities are essential to its cultural fabric, offering diverse areas. Many international students look for familiarity from their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, has a significant South Asian population with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music culture. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London hinge on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home, take advantage of London’s varied accommodation types, discover cultural neighborhoods, and revel in the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.