Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this period may not be extensive, I’ve gained a lot of insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not just for its varied living conditions but also for its communities. Students have a multitude of options available to them. Both student housing and private rentals provide choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment tours, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential accommodations online, showcasing the amenities available and closeness to public transportation.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transport network, which includes the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to navigate and travel across zones. My goal was to minimize travel expenses, as crossing zones could cost as much as £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas beyond the Underground system, extending to zones outside the central area. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s pricing structure. Central London presents major attractions, leading to higher living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we chose to share a room, significantly reducing our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodation to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar ages, a mix that is harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to supermarkets was essential for me. Typical grocery stores in the area include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable choices like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps save time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s diverse ethnic enclaves are a crucial part of its cultural scene, presenting varied neighborhoods. Many international students look for a taste of home within the city. Southall in West London hosts a sizable South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional apparel shops. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, located in the centre of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, stores, and cultural events. These are merely a few examples of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London hinge on your personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, embrace the variety and richness of its housing options, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and relish the accessibility and excitement offered by this extraordinary city.