Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. This may not be an extensive period, but I’ve gained significant insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, known not only for its range of housing options but also for its eclectic communities. Students can choose from numerous alternatives. Both student residences and private rentals offer features such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can conveniently schedule apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to browse potential accommodations online, detailing amenities and their closeness to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London for easy access to key attractions, social hotspots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is categorized into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London’s transport systems, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitate easy movement across zones. I sought to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones can cost up to £5.25 daily. I chose to walk shorter distances instead of using a bus or tube. Nonetheless, various oyster card options have made commuting to university more economical. Additionally, London Overground and National Rail services reach areas that extend beyond the Underground network, covering zones outside central London. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate depending on distance and the pricing structure of each train operator. Although Central London is home to major attractions, it also comes with elevated living expenses. Fortunately, I studied at university alongside a friend, and we decided to co-rent a room, which significantly reduced our rent costs. I leaned towards intercollegiate student accommodations to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds and of similar ages, a blend that would be more challenging to encounter in private housing.
Being close to grocery stores was essential to me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, especially during exam sessions.
Selecting a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities are an integral component of its cultural essence, providing a rich array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students search for echoes of their homelands within London. Southall, in West London, is renowned for its large South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. In South London, Brixton is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean heritage and lively music culture. Chinatown, nestled in London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with numerous Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural events. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The optimal areas for residence in London vary based on personal interests and requirements. When looking for a new place in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing choices, delve into cultural neighborhoods, and savor the convenience and allure of this extraordinary city.