Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days back, I celebrated my nine months of residing in London. While this duration may not seem extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, rich not only in varied housing options but also in its thriving communities. Students are presented with numerous choices. Both student accommodations and private residences feature options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings for apartments, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom facilitate international students in assessing their prospective homes online, showcasing the facilities available and closeness to public transport.
In my quest for accommodation, I sought to rent a room in Central London to remain near key attractions, social hotspots, and the Imperial campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transit network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it straightforward to traverse and transit between zones. I aimed to minimize my travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. Thus, I chose to walk shorter distances rather than using a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have rendered university commutes considerably less expensive. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail systems extend service to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones exterior to central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the fare schedule of each railway company. Central London houses significant landmarks, resulting in elevated living costs. Luckily, I enrolled at university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which drastically reduced our rent. I preferred intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from various backgrounds and the same age bracket, a mix that’s more challenging to find in private rentals.
Proximity to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, complemented by budget-friendly options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Living close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies conserves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be a daunting choice. London’s ethnic communities significantly contribute to its cultural mosaic, presenting a vibrant assortment of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek the comfort of their native culture in London. Southall, located in West London, hosts a prominent South Asian community complete with Indian eateries, grocery outlets, and traditional apparel boutiques. Brixton in South London is famed for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, provides an array of Chinese dining options, shops, and cultural festivities. These exemplify a few of the community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal areas to reside in London hinge on your preferences and requirements. In your pursuit of a new home in London, relish the variety and abundance of housing options, navigate through the cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.