Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated my nine-month milestone of residing in London. Although brief, I’ve gained substantial insights. London is a bustling metropolis, presenting a plethora of housing choices and dynamic communities. Students enjoy a multitude of options, with both student accommodations and private rentals offering amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private bedrooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can easily organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential lodgings online, complete with available features and proximity to public transport.
During my hunt for housing, I targeted renting a room in Central London to remain near key sights, social centers, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric zones, where zones one and two are the most central. London’s transport network, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, simplifies travel and movement across zones. I aimed to lower travel expenses, as inter-zonal commuting can reach up to £5.25 daily, so I chose to walk shorter distances rather than relying on buses or the tube. Nonetheless, oyster card options have made trips to the university more cost-effective. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services reach beyond the Underground network to areas outside central London, with fares differing based on distance and train company pricing structures. The prominent attractions in Central London lead to elevated living costs. Thankfully, I attended university with a friend, and we agreed to share a room, resulting in significant savings on rent. I leaned towards intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar ages, which would have been more challenging with private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. Common supermarket chains include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Proximity to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacies helps streamline errands, particularly during exam seasons.
Selecting a neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s ethnic communities are fundamental to its cultural identity, creating a vivid mosaic of diverse neighborhoods. Many international students look for connections to their home nations in London. Southall, located in West London, boasts a significant South Asian community featuring Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, in South London, is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and vibrant music culture. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a lively enclave with a plethora of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural happenings. These exemplify just a handful of community-focused neighborhoods.
The ideal places to reside in London vary based on personal preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and vitality of its housing options, venture into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and thrill of this exceptional city.